Sister Act

It’s always a pleasure to visit YC Durham Theatre company as I’m guaranteed a warm welcome and an entertaining evening. Sister Act has certainly been a popular choice for Societies over the last few years so I was looking forward to what fresh ideas YC would bring to the mix and pleased to see that they had good houses for each performance.  I must mention the beautiful words in the programme by Linda about the loss of Anne Chadwick, the words were heartfelt and I know Anne is a big miss within your group and the wider amateur theatre family.

The set was simple but effective and allowed for quick scene changes that didn’t hold up the pace of the story telling. Lighting plot complimented the scenes and had the right amount of “disco” pizzazz when needed, the sound balance was good and the live band music being fed through to the auditorium meant it never overpowered the singers. The eight piece band sounded great and the fact that MD David had a hand injury which meant he had to get dep players at short notice didn’t affect the quality of the sound and is testament to the calibre of musicians. The costumes were appropriate throughout although there were one or two wayward wimples probably due to the quick changes some of the ladies had. The choreography was good throughout and interesting to watch, each number seemed within the capability of those taking part which was good to see.

Jamie Donkin had the huge task of portraying the role of Delores. Jamie gave it her all belting out the big numbers and owning the stage as the nightclub singer that needs protection, but she also had the required empathetic delivery for the quieter moments such as “Sister Act” as well as good comic delivery, well done Jamie. As the Mother Superior Melanie Hill had perfect dead pan humour and comic timing and her sparing scenes with Delores were hilarious. Melanie also delivered “I Haven’t got a Prayer” with believable sincerity. Lawrence Chadwick was in his element playing the ominous gangster Curtis, he commanded his scenes accompanied by his more comical than scary gangster crew of Andy Key (Joey) Georgos Marnellos (TJ) and Jamie Peacock (Pablo), their numbers had the audience in stiches. I understand that the role of Pablo was also played by Harry Richie on alternate performances.  The endearing and awkward good cop Eddie was well played by Stephen Shield, the audience enjoyed “I Could Be That Guy” and the quick changes during the dream sequence. Chris Barrass completed the male principal line up with the portrayal of the Monsignor O’Hara navigating his way through the problems of his church’s financial status and the impending Pope visit!

The stars of the show were undoubtedly the nuns and their singing – once Delores had given them a lesson or two of course! “Raise Your Voice”, “Good to be a Nun”, “Take me to Heaven” and “Spread the Love Around” were all great numbers. Each nun embodied their character and got every ounce of comedy out of every scene they were in. Emily Miller as the bubbly Sister Mary Patrick had great vocals, super facial expressions and lovely comedy acting, Rachel Gardner as Sister Mary Robert the painfully shy postulant gave a standout vocal performance of “The Life I Never Led”, so poignant, and I loved Emma Thomas as the rapping nun Sister Mary Lazurus, absolutely hilarious.

All the supporting roles were well played and contributed to a successful production and I must mention the cutest Altar boys Thomas Duncan and William Hale who brought smiles all round with their totaliser antics and dancing,  

It is true to say that the audience left happy and uplifted by this joyous production, congratulations to Linda, David, Rachel and Emily, I’m looking forward to hearing what you plan to do next!

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