Sister Act

This production of Sister Act should have been called Super Sister Act as it was simply mind blowingly brilliant right from the beginning. “Take me to Heaven” was a very good start and from then on it simply flowed. Deloris simply did not let up for one second, a truly magnificent performance, singing, acting, movement; everything about the portrayal of this character was superb. Her backing singers, Tina and Michelle were excellent in the nightclub scene. Looking and sounding very good.

Curtis Prowse did a great job, a menacing gangster together with his sidekicks Joey, Pablo and TJ, whose different characters were well portrayed. “When I find My Baby”, “Lady in the Long Black Dress” were just great. Excellent movement and comedic portrayal. Eddie Souther was a good performance, drawing a sympathetic response from the audience in his vain (at first) attempts to show Deloris how much he cared. “I Could Be That Guy” was performed with great sensitivity.

The Mother Superior put grace, charm and authority into her part, yet with good humorous lines, never hurried. “Here within These Walls” was so well done, a truly sincere and polished performance. Sister Mary Robert looked, acted and sang the part well and delivered “The Life I Never Led” with true feeling. Sister Mary Lazarus had that deep voice for the part that makes her distinct from the other nuns, as a no messing, no nonsense character and this portrayal did not let us down. Sisters Mary Patrick, Mary Martin of Tours and Mary Theresa did a splendid job as did the entire Nuns ensemble. Monsignor O’Hara had great expressions, humour and reverence. The Ensemble and Dancers were full of energy and you could see that everyone was enjoying themselves on stage.

The choreography was skilful and clever, there were some very vibrant and breath-taking scenes, deceptively effortless! MD John Amery and his Orchestra had a touch that one has grown to expect under his baton it was a pleasure to listen to and I imagine a pleasure to perform. Director Ruth Bettesworth must be jolly proud of this production and rightly so. Congratulations also, for fantastic sets; the Cathedral with glorious stained glass windows, paintings and statues along with sensitive lighting to match was truly awe inspiring. There was an impression of depth and space. The costumes were superb and the finale costumes were simply stunning! The appearance of the Pope at the end was inspired. (It wasn’t really him was it?)

This was a show performed with great skill and professionalism, faultless, a show worthy of the West End. My heartiest congratulations and thanks to all concerned for a wonderful evening of sheer entertainment.

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