Sister Act

Sister Act a musical, staged and performed by Wigan Musical Theatre Group at St Michaels Parish Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan on Thursday, 23rd October, 2025  

Sister Act is an amazing feel-good comedy based on the smash hit movie of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.  Written by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater from a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional material from Douglas Carter Beane. This musical is about two worlds colliding, neither expected to change, but through learning from each other, things can and do change!  It’s also about the ‘power of music’ and ‘sisters’ coming together to sing... you really do want to join in and ‘RAISE YOUR VOICE’!  So, ‘brace yourselves sisters’… this ‘twinkling tribute’ to the universal power of friendship and sisterhood tells the hilarious story of Disco Diva Deloris Van Cartier whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder!  Placed in protective custody, hidden in a place where she won’t be found – a convent, disguised as a nun, under the watchful eye of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own… a truly moving story with so many worthwhile and meaningful stories intertwined!

Production Team ...  guiding us through this poignant story was Christine Armstrong (Director), Rick Kershaw (Musical Director) and Emily Fenton (Choreographer). They really had ‘pulled’ together an enthusiastic bunch of talented actors, all of whom looked well-rehearsed and who’d created some wonderful individual characters. There was little or no doubt that Christine had a vision of what she wanted from this story and had worked hard to create some well-rounded characters who worked ever so well together producing some lovely comedic yet poignant performances. Rick and his band supported the cast totally and with some cleverly devised choreography from Emily (dance routines/movement of any type here St Michael’s has to always be mindful of the limited stage space) ... brought this production to life ever so well! I really am of the opinion that this was the best musical I’ve seen WMTG produce.... so be very proud you three!

The Cast... thirty-eight enthusiastic, well-rehearsed cast members took to the stage, all looking more than ready for the challenges that lay ahead. I’m going to select a ‘showstealer’, MY showstealer, plus I’m going to selected a number of MY ‘favourite characters a little later, but first let me identify all of this wonderful cast.... our lead ‘Deloris Van Cartier aka Sister Mary Clarance’ was played by Becky Brown. Deloris’s backing singers- ‘Michelle’ & Tina’ played by – Cara Bullock & Jess Lloyd respectively. John Clinton played ‘Curtis’ ... his three mobster ‘Joey’, ‘Pablo’ and ‘TJ’ were played by Matt Morrell, Robert Kenyon and Tyler Lloyd respectively. Brian Middlehurst -Ernie/Cab Driver/Altar Boy; Jack Martin – ‘Eddie’ aka ‘Sweaty Eddie’; Ian Hollis – Cop/Drag Queen/Altar Boy; Sandy Kershaw & Lisa Rignall – ‘Hookers’; Clare Hodkinson – Mother Superior; Aidan Miners – ‘Monsignor O’Hara’; ‘Sisters Mary Roberts’, ‘Mary Patrick’ & ‘Mary Lazarus’ were played by Georgina Morris, Danielle Lyon & Catherine Finch respectively. ‘Sister Mary Theresa & Mary Martin-of-Tours’ – played by Maria Rignall & Sue Binns; ‘Waitress’ – Emily Fenton; ‘Bar Patron’ – Louise Osmond; ‘Pool Player/Pope’ – Brian Heap.   Ensemble Nuns – Cara Bullock, Gwen Charnock, Ros Cropper, Hazel Dobson, Julie Edwards, AnnEllen Fazackerley, Anne Foy, Emily Fenton, Tracey Fitzpatrick, Val Hogg, Shirley Hughes, Sandy Kershaw, Jess Lloyd, Marie Noon, Louise Osmond, Joyce Ratcliffe, Pat Reid, Lisa Rignall, Carol Smith, Emma Stockley, Elizabeth Wallwork.  Dancers – Cara Bullock, Emily Fenton, Sandy Kershaw, Jess Lloyd, Louise Osmond, Lisa Rignall. 

‘Sticky neck out time’ ... these are MY choices... you’ll no doubt have your own, but these are mine... ‘Showstealer’ had to be Becky Brown our lead ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ aka ‘Sister Mary Clarence’! Wow what a massive character created! I’ve seen Becky on a number of occasions playing a variety of roles; blessed with an amazing singing voice, which she used to great effect throughout this show! The opening numbers ‘Take Me to Heaven’ and ‘Fabulous Baby’ with her backing singers, set the tone for the entire night. She also knocked ‘Raise Your Voice’ and ‘Take me to Heaven’ with the nuns out the park! Great personality, great stage presence, worked ever so well with all the cast... be very proud Becky!  Now my three favourite characters.... Jack Martin did a great job with the shy, slightly inadequate policeman ‘Eddie Southern’ aka ‘Sweaty Eddie’. He looked totally comfortable creating this totally believable character.  Worked ever so well with the love of his life who he first met at school, Deloris. They had some lovely moments together, especially at the end when he finally ‘gets the girl’!  Clare Hodkinson also did a great job with the role of ‘Mother Superior’... a great foil for Deloris. She probably has some of the best songs in the show which she dealt with, with feeling and dignity. Loved the scene towards the end, when she thanks Deloris... brought a little lump to the throat, well done Clare.  Cheating slightly... three for the price of one... our three lead Nuns... Sisters Mary Roberts’, ‘Mary Patrick’ & ‘Mary Lazarus’ played by Georgina Morris, Danielle Lyon & Catherine Finch respectively. Three great individual characters created who worked ever so well together and with Deloris.  All three had great stage presence and added so much to the whole!  I could go on... if you haven’t been mentioned above please don’t think you weren’t noticed, the success of this musical wasn’t down to one or two people, it was down to you all contributing ever so much!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Stage/Set/Tech ... OMG with twenty-two scenes to navigate, this isn’t an easy production to stage, especially when you take into consideration the stage size and wing space here at St Michaels. This was a phenomenal effort by the ‘stage crew’ led by Shelia Cleary (Stage Manager) which included Christine Armstrong, Louise Butterworth, Brian Heap, Brian Middlehurst, Maria Rignall and friends, all of whom should be congratulated on their efforts. Sound and Lighting was good looked after by Mark Fenton, Clive Green, Chris Morgan, Matt Hollis, Cath Stockley and Peter Wallwork.  

The Orchestra... led by Rick Kershaw (Musical Director) with Janet Calman (Keys), Steffi Medrano (Reed 1); Darcie Dewhurst (Trumpet); Louis Williams (Trombone); Craig Hughes (Guitar), Charlie Wells (Bass); Nick Woods & Katie Proctor (Drums). Great sound, supported the singers throughout!

Wardrobe & Props... the costumes were amazing, adding/enhancing this production ever so much, supplied by Charades Theatrical Costumes from St Helens, they were perfect, under the watchful eye of Clare Hodkinson, Pat Reid and Carol Smith.  Props were terrific, used well and were pertinent to each particular scene ... overseen by Andrea Connell.

I said it above and I’ll repeat myself here... I do think this is the best musical I’ve see WMTG produce, be very proud.  Thank you so much for your welcome, your hospitality and sorry John, thanks to Frances for yet another amazing Victoria sponge... bigger better and enjoyed by the entire orchestra.

Stay safe, Keep Well
Stronger Together

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep  

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