Sister Act

Sister Act
11th September 2025
Produced by: CLOC Juniors
Book by: Cheri &Bill Steinkellner
Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Glenn Slater
Performed at: Princes Hall Clevedon
Directed by: Emma Flaherty
Musical Director: Emmanuelle Hicks
Choreography by: Lois Bennett
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell
I was so excited to come to see a CLOC Junior show for the first time. I’ve
always been so impressed by the adult group, it was an absolute pleasure to
come to see what hopefully will become the future adults. Boy, were you
packed with talent!
Thank you for the lovely warm welcome from Angela (wow - we go back a
long way). It really is always such a pleasure to come to Princes Hall.
I was so sorry you’d gone through the flooding. It must have caused you a
nightmare at the last minute, but I must say from an audience point of view it
all worked like clockwork. Great organisation from the team.
I was quite excited to see your passerelle, not seen this used in a show for
years. It’s a great way to bring the cast out to the audience, creating a more
intimate and dramatic effect. The opening scene looked great. Visually it was
very impressive. We certainly got the club vibe and the costumes which were
very glitzy all added to the splendour. I must say from the outset your
Chairman’s notes in the program were absolutely correct. The energy,
dedication and talent totally shone through, and without a doubt the
commitment everyone had put into this performance was fabulous to see. I
was wondering how you were going to depict the Abbey and I half expected
some big set change, but I loved how you kept it so simple, it really worked.
The psychedelic coloured flats leading us to the Abbey projection was all it
needed. Perfect. I thought it was really nicely lit too.
l’ll get my negative out of the way now as it’s my only one. I found the sound
a bit harsh, at times quite uncomfortable. I felt the vocals at times were way
above the track and sounded just a bit exposed. I like loud, but it was a bit
too much even for me. Just a bit more fine tuning and balancing with the
track. I must admit for some reason whenever tracks are used it’s quite a
common thing and I’m sure sounded different in different parts of the room
but that’s it out the way now.

The show itself rattled along at a great pace and I must say the dialogue

moved brilliantly—no hanging about, bang bang bang, that’s what we like.
Scene changes too were very swift, with the help of your backstage crew
again the pace was kept up. Well done team.
The casting of this show was really first rate. The ages or heights didn’t
matter one bit. I loved how Mother Superior was way taller than Monsignor
O’Hara and obviously older but they worked so well together. We had some
great comedy from these moments the same as the three boys (TJ, Joey and
Pablo) we had some real laugh out loud moments “Lady in the Long Black
Dress” was such a high lite - some great team work going on there but all
had their moment to shine and took it with both hands. The Nuns also stole
the spotlight with their comedic timing and tight harmonies. The group
numbers were packed with energy and all executed the choreography
brilliantly. Everyone remained so focused throughout and also let themselves
go and I’m sure got the utmost enjoyment out of it as we did.
I must mention Eddie’s quick change. The best I’d seen, and I’ve seen a few
Sister Acts in my time. Literally if you blinked you missed it. Great timing.
This was a jubilant celebration of youth theatre at its best with stand out
performances heartfelt storytelling and toe tapping tunes. It was brave to
choose the full version of this show, but it proved that age is no barrier to
delivering a show full of soul and heart. I really loved it.
Musical Direction (Emanuelle Hicks)
The musical direction in this production of Sister Act was nothing short of
divine. Under the leadership of Emmanuelle the cast delivered a vibrant,
vocally rich performance that honoured the spirit of the show while elevating
it with precision and flair.
Despite using backing tracks rather than a live orchestra, the musical director
ensured that every cue was tight and every transition seamless. What truly
set this musical direction apart was the attention to harmony. The ensemble

work, especially among the nuns was beautifully layered, with warm, gospel-
inspired chords that gave the show its signature. Good job.

Deloris Van Cartier ( Ruby)
This is no easy role, it demands powerhouse vocals and a commanding stage
presence. Ruby delivered both in spades. You showed us Deloris is more
than just sequins and sass. You gave us a woman on a journey of self
discovery. So clever how you balanced comedy with genuine warmth
especially in scenes with Sister Mary Roberts and The Mother Superior. Your
transformation from reluctant nun to beloved choir leader felt authentic and
moving. A true leading lady. Well done.

Eddie Souther (Kieron)
Eddie isn’t your typical hero. He’s awkward, endearing and quietly
courageous. Kieron captured all of that with subtle expressions and heartfelt
delivery. His scenes with Dolores were especially touching revealing a sweet
vulnerability beneath the badge. “I could be that guy” was your big moment
and you absolutely nailed it strong vocals and good storytelling and as I said
earlier, the quick changes were stunning. Such a lot to think about in that
number, but you did it with such confidence we were rooting for you to step
into the spotlight and you did. Well done.

Mother Superior (Amy)
I really enjoyed your performance Amy. You gave us both gravitas and subtle
comedy timing and I must say your timing was excellently judged. I loved the
tone of the sarcasm in your lines, which were also beautifully delivered. You
showed us how wary you were of Delores entering the chapel and loved how
you gradually revealed your vulnerability, warmth and eventually admiration
as Delores’ transformed the choir. Congratulations on a very well thought
through performance.

Sister Mary Robert (Cara)
This was a lovely endearing performance. You certainly showed us how
unsure you were of your place in this world, but through the friendship
formed with Delores, you certainly blossomed and became confident when
you found your voice. I was expecting you to wear Delores’s boots in the
finale. Maybe they didn’t fit?

Sister Mary Patrick (Alice)
You made her joyous, loveable, bubbly and warm. Exactly the ingredients of
Sister Mary Patrick. We had some wonderful comic moments from you,
which contrasted beautifully from the more reserved nuns. Well done.
Sister Mary Lazarus (Sorcha Beynon)
You know how to steal a scene with dry wit and no nonsense attitude. You
certainly gave us some of the funniest lines and facial expressions which told
us everything. The Latin rapping was spot on and brought the house down.
Good performance.

Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (Eloise)
You may not have had the most lines but you made her delightful and added
charm and gentle humour to the convent ensemble. Proof that small roles
can leave a lasting impression.

Sister Mary Theresa (Bea)
You didn’t let your character slip. You remained focused throughout. This was
a super portrayal of an older nun, you gave us sass, great rhythm and a dry
wit. You certainly added humour to the ensemble.

Monsignor O’Hara (Fin)
Well you may have been smaller in stature, but your presence was anything
but. You carried the role with confidence and flair and a twinkle of mischief.
Your interactions with Mother Superior were particularly impressive. The
dynamic between you felt natural and well balanced despite the height
difference. Her stern resolve paired beautifully with your your gentle optimism (and
occasional befuddlement). Good comic timing. Well done.

Curtis (Leo)
What a confident performer. We felt very safe in your hands. You gave us
everything. Poise, charisma, swagger and charm! From your posture, voice
and timing it was clear you understood the character’s power and danger.
Your interactions with Delores were sharp and believable. You handled the
darker moments with just the right balance of drama and restraint, whilst still
maintaining impactful. Good job.

TJ / Joey/ Pablo (Rowan / Monty / Joey)
What a tight unit you three were. You all brought charisma, comedy and
rhythm and great harmony turning your number “Lady in the Long Black
Dress” into one of the most unforgettable moments of the show. Your
chemistry was undeniably good. The audience loved you as did I.

Michelle / Tina (Isabelle / Georgia)
You both may have been supporting characters but your style, energy and
stage presence certainly brought you to the forefront. As the back up singers
you brought sass and sparkle to each scene. Well done girls.

Choreography (Lois Bennett - Assisted by Harri Moore)
Lois and Harri you both did a great job bringing movement and energy to
your production. Your choreography was well-suited to the cast’s abilities and
helped tell the story in a fun and engaging way. The routines were clear,
manageable, and added a lively touch to the musical numbers. I loved the
use of the passerelle, it really brought the cast out to the audience and added
another dimension to the show. I must give credit to the chase scenes - these
were excellent and funny and really worked. Not sure if this was the director
or a mixture of both but you got that so right. Really good work.

Stage management and backstage team (Craig Bennett)

Not much to be said you all did a great job. Scene changes were minimal
disruption to the flow, the set itself was just the job, from out front it was all
we needed. Good design and well executed.

Director (Emma Flaherty)
You may have gathered, I rather enjoyed this production! In fact I loved it.
You brought clarity, creativity and a strong sense of purpose. You gave us a
well shaped and cohesive entertaining show that highlighted the strengths of
the cast and brought the story to life in a meaningful way. Each scene flowed
smoothly right up to the final bows. It felt clear to us the cast were up there
living their best life under your guidance. Performances were engaging and
heartfelt. Congratulations on this show’s success.
Thanks again for your invite and warm hospitality, I’m already looking forward
to the next.
Best Wishes
Mike.

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