Sister Act

43 talented and enthusiastic teenagers took to the stage in front of a full house audience on opening night and everyone of them raised their voices, took us to Heaven and Spread The Love Around (as three of the musical numbers promised) aided by the ever supportive 10 piece band. Daisy Meall as aspiring night club singer Delores Van Cartier was outstanding from start to finish with a good strong singing voice, good acting skills and excellent dancing – truly “Fabulous, Baby!” Amber Craig as Mother Superior gave an excellent portrayal of the steely character with a heart of gold underneath. Her beautiful singing voice being shown to it’s best in her solos “Here Within These Walls” and the humorous but heart felt “I Haven’t Got A Prayer” – one of my favourites. Grace Hadden was perfectly cast as the larger-than-life Sister Mary Patrick with her zest for her calling and her soaring voice. Zoe Burnett as the shy postulant Sister Mary Roberts too was well cast and her sensitive rendition of “The Life I Never Led” was beautiful – another highlight for me. Fergus Masson as Officer Eddie Souther - Delores’s protector and long time admirer - gave a very strong performance and his rendition of “I Could Be That Guy” was a revelation in more ways than one. Ildar Sidorenko as Curtis had the sleaziness of the nightclub owner – and all round bad guy – to perfection showing his true colours in his rendition of “When I Find My Baby”. His side-kicks Joey (Lewis Boyle), TJ (Joss McLaren) and Pablo (Zak Simpson) added greatly to the humour in the show particularly with their “Lady In The Long Black Dress” number. Strong support was given by Eden Park (rapping Sister Mary Lazarus), Alyx Buchan (an excitable Monsignor O’Hara) and Charlotte Duthie and Mia McDonald (Delores’s backing singers Michelle and Tina). The large chorus were note and step perfect in the company numbers especially the rousing “Take Me To Heaven “, “Sunday Morning Fever” and the “Raise Your Voice“ finale. The set was simple but very effective and the slick changes ensured the pace never dropped. Costuming was appropriate to the era and characters and again the quick changes were well handled. Well done everyone on delivering a superb show fully deserving of the extended applause and standing ovation received.

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