Sister Act

Sister Act a musical, staged and performed by Chorley and District Operatic Society (CADOS) at Chorley Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley on Friday, 12th June 2026

Brace yourselves, sisters... with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner (with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane), Sister Act is an amazing feel‑good comedy musical, based on the smash‑hit film of the same name which starred Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith. Set in Philadelphia in the 1970’s, the storyline, takes us on this hilarious roller-coaster of a ride where two very different worlds collide! The life of ‘out of work’ lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier takes an unexpected twist when she witnesses a murder! For her safety, the police (aka Sweaty Eddie), places her in protective custody; hidden in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Though the sequin-free lifestyle doesn’t necessarily agree with Deloris,
it helps her find her calling working with the convent choir, where she encourages her fellow sisters to ‘RAISE YOUR VOICE’ which unexpectedly helps her to rediscover her own! This moving story is filled with warmth, humour, sisterhood and beautifully intertwined with moments of sincere meaning!

Production Team...  taking us on this journey of ‘self-discovery’ was Zoe Jones (Director), Paul Carr (Musical Director), Libby Burke (Choreographer). You could see/tell from the off that the team had pulled together an enthusiastic and talented cast, who were well-rehearsed and from the ‘off’ looked up or the challenges that lay ahead.  The staging was superb and well thought out which allowed for a very pacy and innovative production... congrats Zoe.  Paul Carr, did a great job with the band who supported the singers extremely well throughout (PS... loved the ‘Pope’s hat in the pit Paul). Libby’s choreography was simple yet very effective and fitted ever so well with the era. Be proud you three great job!

The Cast ... a cast of thirty took to the stage and included:- Gemma Taylor – ‘Deloris Van Cartier’; Joanne Cunliffe – ‘Mother Superior’; Lead Sisters... Natelie Aspinall, Rachel Scahill & Susan Hilton – ‘Mary Robert’, ‘Mary Patrick’ and ‘Mary Lazarus’ respectively; David Walker – ‘Monsignor O’Hara’; Chris King – ‘Sweaty Eddie Souther’; Ste Carletti – ‘Curtis’; Jack Vardy – ‘TJ’; Hannah Wallwork – ‘Joey’, Ciaran McGhee – ‘Pablo’; Deloris’s Cabaret Singers ... Hannah Wallis & Joanna Robinson – ‘Michelle’ & ‘Tine’ respectively. 
Ensemble -Nicki Burke, Helen Butler, Fiona Clarke, Cheryl Dryden-Lock, Amy Leppert-Williams, Emme Ironfield, Kath Townsend, Amber Walsh, Lynne Westhead, Ste Clipston, Steven Catterall 
Dancers – Hannah Haslam, Cara Jones, Holly & Rosie Macaree, Claire Mountford, Nicola Stringfellow
So, its ‘sticky neck out time’... where I select MY favourite performances and MY showstealer! I had to think long and hard about the accolade of ‘Showstealer’ ... in my eyes, there were two characters who really did stand out ... Gemma Taylor as ‘Deloris’ and
Joanne Cunliffe as Mother Superior’ and it really was a very close call, but in the end, I plumped for... Joanne Cunliffe who I believe was the perfect choice for the role as Mother Superior which she performed with calm and grace. Joanne created this wonderful character, strong, but softening in her songs ‘Here within these Walls’ & ‘I Haven’t Got a Pray’ which I thought was a highlight. The chemistry with Deloris and the lead nuns was superb and I just loved her conversations in pray with God, which were so very funny, yet real! Be very proud Joanne!  Gemma Taylor as ‘Deloris’ wasn’t that far behind! Another great character created, great accent and a powerful singing voice! Her opening songs ‘Take Me to Heaven’ and ‘Fabulous Baby’ sung with Tina and Michelle (Joanna Robinson & Hannah Wallis) set the tone for the evening. Loved her chemistry with all the nuns, especially Sister Mary Roberts, there was a genuine connection there! Talking about ‘Sister Mary Roberts’... aka Natalie Aspinall, I just loved her take on this part and her rendition of ‘The Life I never Led’ was sung and enacted to perfection. Thought Chris King did a fabulous job with ‘Sweaty Eddie Souther’, the quick change of costumes worked to perfection... but the outstanding male for me was David Walker’s ‘Monsignor O’Hara’. David just looked like he was living this part... great character created, loved his facial expressions and his mannerisms... be very proud David, best O’Hara I’ve seen and I’ve seen a few! I could go on, that all three lead nuns were fabulous, luved Susan Hilton’s rap as ‘Mary Lazarus’ in ‘Sunday Morning Fever’ ... just be proud everyone... great production!

Staging/Tech... wow, I think this is possibly the best staging that I’ve seen here at Chorley Theatre. We were greeted by an open stage; centre section was emblazed with the musical title ‘Sister Act’. Glitter curtains to either side of the centre section gave us the glitz. Scene changes were smooth and effortless and I just loved the ‘sliding arches’ which were used throughout and added so much to the production. In charge of all things ‘stage wise’ was Rebecca Dickinson (Stage Manager); her ‘Stage Crew’ included Zoe Jones, Liv Chandler, Delilah Jones, Orna Horton-Murphy, Kellie Gillett, Charlie Gillett, Stephen Irish, Lily Irish & Ruby Irish... ‘Set Builders’ who need a ‘big pat on the back’ included... Paul, Shaun, Rebecca, Selina, Owen, Gill, Helen, Lucy, Stephen, Stephen, Maureen, Leigh, Mark, Kellie and Mason. Tech Design was down to Paul Carr, Tech Operations Ben Holden & Rachel Foster-Jacob... great job by all!

Band ... leading the very lively band we had Paul Carr (Musical Director) with Harry Torbett (Keys1); Malcolm Maclean (Keys2); Katy Bradley (Keys3/Reed); Clare Gilbert (Reed); Chris Andrews (Trumpet); Eddie Waring (Guitar); Michael Mayor (Bass) and Jose Jacob (Drums). These guys did a great job supporting the eclectic range of music performed in this musical, from soul and gospel to classical musical comedy ... music which is a vital part of the success of any Sister Act production.   

Costumes / Wardrobe ... leading the ‘Wardrobe Team’ was Kath Townsend assisted by Carol, Karen, Jean, Lynn, Evie, Janie, Lauren.  Costumes were supplied by Charade Costumes from St Helens & St George DAMS (Elizabeth). Deloris Dressers included... Sandy, Karen, Jean, Lauren and Janie.  Great costumes that enhanced this production!

Props... some great ‘props’ were used that looked authentic and were used well... under the watchful eye of Judi, Alfie, Delilah.

Just before I finish, the evening, I attended, I was told that Shaun McManus, hadn’t felt well and his place had been taken by Steven Catterall. On behalf of NODA and myself, just hoping Shaun has recovered, I was told he was hoping to be back before end of run... here’s hoping that happened!

That you so much for the invitation, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and the production ... can’t wait to be back in July to see your Youth Theatre members performing Shrek Jr.  

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe,
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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