Sister Act

It could not have been a lovelier sunny evening for a trip to Dumfries to report on DMTC’s latest show. It’s always an honour to be asked and this production was no exception.

As always we had a lovely welcome and hospitality from our friends at DMTC and I was looking forward with anticipation to a great night of entertainment at this lovely refurbished theatre.

Although the company had employed a small five-piece band, it was more than capable and adequate to fill the auditorium with the fabulous musical score and support the cast throughout. Never overpowering and always spot on tempo they added greatly to the overall enjoyment of the show.

With modern technology, the backdrops to each scene were conveyed by projector which was perfect for the scene changes. Everything was perfectly slick, while using only minimal stage furnishings and props to create the atmosphere and image required.

The lively opening featuring ‘Take Me To Heaven’ was given full throttle by backing singers, Elle, Rhona Davidson, Mich, Maeve reeky and Tina, Lara Anderson. A larger than life vocal and dancing trio, with no holds barred.

Their best friend and cabaret star Deloris Van Cartier, (given her full title) and credit for the star that she was of the whole show, was Erin Watt. Her opening number ‘Fabulous Baby’ supported by the 3 girls made a massive impression… and fabulous she certainly was. A massive gritty role, which required natural acting skills to hone the accent, cope with the drama and comic timing, not forgetting the huge vocal challenges, but this talented young lady made the role her own. She gave every bit of sass to the part and blessed us with memorable highlights in all her vocal numbers as she led in ‘Raise Your Voice’ and wowed us with title song, ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Bless Our Show’.

Cynical and sceptical Mother Superior was perfectly cast in Joyce Reekie. Being the antithesis to Deloris, who was hiding in her convent as Sister Mary Clarence, she found her to be a thorn in her side as she battled with her Christian spirit of acceptance. Her reflective rendition of ‘Here Within These Walls’ was mesmerising and equally, the brilliantly expressive and particularly wordy ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer’, was outstanding.

As a show which particularly features women and superb female choral numbers it seems fair to give my plaudits to the ladies first. Even the out of tune nuns choir cross-over which had the audience in stitches. It’s not easy to sound that bad, yet so funny.

The comedy continued to the dining hall where Deloris is introduced to the convent of nuns, featuring the three fabulous characters, Sisters Mary Patrick, Mary Lazarus and Mary Martin of Tours, were played respectively by Lauren Grantham, Sharron Harper, Rose Tennick, who were expressive, wonderfully animated and funny about how ‘It’s Good To Be A Nun’. Their contribution as individuals was testament to their individual talent and vocal prowess, supporting the fabulous choir in the roof-raising numbers, ‘Take Me To Heaven’ and ‘Sunday Morning Fever’.

A special mention also goes to a very talented young actress, singer and co-choreographer, Star Murdy playing Sister Mary Robert. She absolutely shone in her role and deserved well earned applause for ‘The life I Never Led’ as well as her animated support within the nuns choir. Bravo!

Keeping in character throughout as the dementia stricken nun Sister Mary Theresa, was Nina Rennie. A company stalwart who was memorable for her characterisation of the role.

Now to the men who supported the whole story and never failed to come up trumps with comedy and drama within the show.

Eddie, played by Hamish Bremner was a solid, reliable, caring character who was Doloris’s other saving grace by finding her a safe haven from otherwise being murdered. He coped really well in ‘I Could Be That Guy’, with the homeless ensemble as he dealt with layers of dodgy costumes for the comic, snazzy reveal. Well done sweaty Eddie!

Gangster and ex-lover Curtis was in the safe hands of Roy Stairmand. His booming, threatening voice and stature gave him a scary edge to his character. His rendition of ‘When I Find My Baby’, supported by his side-kicks, gave him centre stage to shine as the baddie of the show.

The gangster assistants Joey, Pablo and T.J. were excellently played by Colin Williamson, Jason Reekie and Caitlin Wallace. All fabulous in their individual, different characters, they got huge applause for their hilarious send up, ‘Lady In The Long Black Dress'.

The role of Monsignor O’Hara was a dream part for Neil Webster, who embraced the character from start to finish. Keeping a perfect Irish accent and upbeat persona throughout, with glowing support of the choir, he helped save the convent and church from closure, which was to his credit. A perfect role again for this DMTC stalwart.

It was so evident that the whole company have had an absolute blast with this show and it certainly played to the strengths of the large exceptionally talented female cast who ‘inhabited’ every role. Excuse the pun! Massive Congratulations, and once again ‘Thank You’ for your kind hospitality.

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