Sister Act

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Director Lucy Weaver and spoke with her during the interval and at the end of the performance.

This is the first time that I have reviewed a show taking place in an active church which was very appropriate for Sister Act. The set was minimal partly as it had to be moved away after each performance to allow the daily activity of the church to continue. Scene changes were made by a variety of innovative props moved fluently and rapidly on and off stage and the backstage crew were incredibly well organised given the small space available. Most of the scenery was obtained from another society in the District as were the nuns’ habits and other costumes whilst the cast also provided some individual costumes. The lighting was subtle and colour changes enhanced the set.

The casting was superb with individual acting, singing and dancing abilities used to great effect. This was a stellar and high energy production by all the cast with first class vocals and acting and everyone projected well. There were a number of interesting dance routines devised by Choreographer Phoebe Wiggett.

Rebecca Mason played the major role of Deloris Van Cartier and she was excellent in the character. Sassy and confident she had a great stage presence and first class vocals eg Take Me To Heaven. She managed the transition from Lounge Singer to ’nun’ seamlessly with her ebullient personality showing through. I had not seen Rebecca in a major role before and she definitely impressed.

Jayne Meek was Mother Superior, sensitively played as a rather stern and officious character but showing a more gracious side eventually. I enjoyed her solo of I Haven’t Got A Prayer which was quite emotional and her duet with Dolores. Well blended voices! Police Officer Eddie Souther was played by Joe Fusi who demonstrated good movement during his solo of I Could Be That Guy. He had a powerful voice and even managed a triple costume change whilst singing.

The villain of the piece was Gregg Weaver as Curtis who committed the murder. Aided by his crew of Joey (Dominic Simpson) Pablo (Adam Parkes) and TJ (Bailey Boyce) Greg led a powerful version of When I Find My Baby. Bailey Boyce played the comedy role well and what can I say about Greg’s jackets? Snazzy !

Tim Martin was well suited to the role of Monsignor O’Hara, an affable and humorous priest who oversaw the convent. I loved the role of Sister Mary Robert, a postulant, so well played by Ava Foster. Initially shy and retiring, Ava developed the character well to overcome her doubts and to deliver a powerful version of The Life I Never Led. A very energetic and enthusiastic Sister Mary Patrick was well characterised by Phoebe Wiggett

Throughout the choir of nuns and the ensemble performed some well rehearsed and outstanding vocals and it was good to see the Sunday Schoolers ie Harry, Lottie, Ava and Lillia on stage also.

The seven piece band, led by Musical Director Franky Garland provided excellent support to the cast. A tricky score with interesting harmonies was performed very well and the instruments blended together creating a good tone and just the right volume.

My congratulations to Director Lucy Weaver for her creativity and vision and for her inspiration in adapting the venue and in bringing this musical to the stage, very well done!

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