26th April 2025
Murder on the Airwaves
Three Towns Theatre Company, Upchurch Village Hall
Sister Act
Author: Doreen Grierson
Information
- Date
- 23rd April 2015
- Society
- Tunbridge Wells Operatic & Dramatic Society
- Venue
- Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- David Fawcett
- Musical Director
- David Grubb
- Choreographer
- Elizabeth Witt and Jessica Punch
This show is based on the 1992 film of the same name, starring Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring disco diva who, after witnessing her boyfriend killing a man, is forced to go into witness protection and hide in a convent that’s heading for closure.
This is not a show with any outstanding musical numbers and quite a thin plot but this production more than made up for those shortcomings. The scenery was fantastic, pulled together by a well- designed lighting plot. Costumes were absolutely stunning. The music is so important in this type of show and the cast was well supported by the orchestra, conducted by David Grubb, who did such an amazing job.
Deloris, played by Sharon Rose, lived and breathed this character with a stunning voice to match. She was well supported by Alexandra Leigh as the Mother Superior, played with true grace. Another fine voice was that of Barry Shyvers as the timid lovelorn cop, Sweaty Eddie. His highlight song ‘I could be that guy’ was when he had a ‘Bucks Fizz’ style moment where his clothes were very cleverly ripped off, to reveal a sparkly disco suit, only to be ripped off again to go back to his ‘cop’ uniform.
The comedic trio of the three stooges, played by Lee Beaney (Joey), Elliott Emanuel (Pablo) and Duncan Virgoe (TJ) were employees of the villain Curtis, played well by Kevin Randall. Each had an individual character. The scenes I really enjoyed were the ones involving all the Nuns, led by Sister Mary Lazarus (Liz Harris), Sister Mary Patrick (Cheryl Storer) and Sister Mary Robert (Emily Price). The hard work that they had all obviously put in, showed in their joy and enthusiasm. Not to be forgotten is Neil Harris as the Monsignor, a lovely characterisation.
Director David Fawcett’s staging throughout was superb, being pacy and innovative, together with the excellent choreography of Elizabeth Witt and Jessica Punch. Due praise must go to this talented company who, once again, have delivered a truly memorable evenings entertainment.
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