Sister Act

Two words can describe the recent production of Sister Act at Rotherham Civic Theatre by Maltby Musical Theatre Group. Fabulous, Baby. MMTG certainly rocked the pews in this high energy production. Based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act follows Deloris Van Cartier, who after witnessing her gangster boyfriend commit a murder, has to hide out in a convent. 

The nuns in this production, were brilliant. Each one having their own character, which added to the show, especially the hilarious antics of Sister Mary Martin of Tours, played by Lindsey Dilks. The quality of the singing from the nuns ensemble was first class, and congratulations must go to Pete Lane, Musical Director, for the way he taught the complicated harmonies. Anita Boylan’s choreography is also to be congratulated, as it’s not easy to choreograph  nuns who love to boogie whilst wearing a habit, but Boylan  did this with with ease. Under the expert direction of Matthew Roddis, Roddis made sure that the production moved with pace, and added many touches which I haven’t see in Sister Act before. Roddis, whilst making sure the audience had plenty to laugh at, made sure that the true meaning of friendship, togetherness and sisterhood was at the forefront of the production. 

Sarah Hemsall was full of fun as the energetic Mary Patrick, providing many of the nights biggest laugh out loud moments, and her powerful voice, added much to the full ensemble numbers. Karen Mills as the grouchy, rap singing Mary Lazarus was a hoot, and really captured the essence of the character. Ciera Greensill was a very likeable Mary Robert, and was nice to see her character grow in confidence throughout the show .David Taylor, was hysterical as the Monsignor O’Hara, with a great Irish accent. I particularly liked his ‘dad’ dancing during the end of Act 1 number. 

Lee Caddick was geeky, gormless and lovable as Eddie, the cop hired to protect Deloris. His number, ‘I Could Be That Guy’ was a highlight of the night. Dean Charlton has entered his villain era as Curtis. Charlton’s portrayal was powerful and sinister. I for one certainly wouldn’t want to meet him on a dark night. Josh Matkin, Matthew Smith and Andrew Trueman, played Curtis’s hapless gang, and were truly entertaining. Their physical comedy and falsetto singing was a joy to watch and hear. 

Fiona Broadhead, once again proved just what a wonderful performer she is. This year see’s her as Mother Superior and her performance was just that. Superior. Broadhead could easily grace the professional stage playing this role. So many actors portray this role for the laugh’s, but Broadhead, brought a human side to Mother Superior, which sometimes is lacking with other portrayals. Her singing was also  a delight.  However, the night, and quite rightly, belonged to the  powerhouse which is Dionne Roberts as Deloris Van Cartier. Roberts, in her debut with the company was an exceptional Deloris. Her vocals were on point and her delivery of her  many lines were perfect. A wonderful performance and one I will remember for a long time. 

If I had one small critique, it would be that some of the nuns had a little bit too much make up on, which looked slightly out of place within the walls of the convent. A great set  courtesy of Proscenium Ltd and was beautifully lit. I loved the effect of the striplights on the portals which looked like flickering candles. Costumes and props were of a high standard and just right for the 1970s setting. Overall, this was one ‘terrific Sister Act’

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