Sister Act

~~This show is a very challenging one to tackle especially with it being based on a popular film with an extremely well known leading lady. Good use was made by the creative and experienced director Ian Good of an effective but fairly designed set using a setting screen which appeared at the various scene changes for these to be completed behind it. Ian, aided by the imaginative choreography of Sarah Day used this magnificent theatre to its very utmost. The staging throughout was superb, being pacy, varied and innovative.  
Generally the male members of the cast were much clearer in their speech and vocal renditions then the female members. This together with the difficulty of balancing the stage voices with at times a rather loud orchestral sound level meant that many of the cast struggled to be heard. If it could be sorted then this would certainly be one of the best shows I have seen this year.
Simone Denby-Cooper was a marvellous Deloris both in her individual work and in leading the nun’s chorus. I just wish she did not have to often sing at her loudest which meant her diction lost its clarity because when she did have the chance to balance her vocal levels she has an extremely beautiful voice. She was well supported by Sheila Elsdon as the Mother Superior who gave a first class performance both in her acting and vocal work. She had the best singing voice in the company were every word could be heard clearly and her serenity was very moving. 
Both these ladies were well supported by the nun’s chorus led by Sister Mary Robert, Beth Evans, Sister Mary Patrick, Kim Seagrove and Sister Mary Lazarus, Jeanette Broad. Monsignor O’Hara, Chris Brooke, at times suffered from mike problems but generally his character work was excellent.
Another fine voice belonged to Nathaniel Meller as Eddie. Not only was he a very good singer but also his general character work was excellent. He supported Simone, Deloris, with the problems she had with the crooked quartet lead by Curtis, Tony Bryant, with his three cronies, Joey, Chris Murray, TJ, Trevor Bratty and Pablo, Jack Edwards. They were excellent throughout the show both in their clear vocal work but also in their first class character acting.
The music is so important in this particular show as to make or break it so the orchestra are an extremely important aspect of the production. They were superbly led by Steve Tanner always showing excellent tempi throughout.   I feel that they need to just keep the loud volumes more in control.
I have rightly praised this well disciplined company for their talents, amazing energy and, crucially being able to reflect vocally the wonderful mood changes, so cleverly entwined by the legendary authors of this show.
I must commend the programme with its interesting and comprehensive CVs, but I was disappointed by the absence of NODA information and crest which unfortunately debars me from considering it for a NODA programme award. The Players under their very special production team did themselves proud and I congratulate you all.
 

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