Sister Act

Wow, what a show this was!     From start to finish it fizzed, sizzled and dazzled!

It was the best Sister Act I have seen on stage and by a distance.   Pace, humour, fabulous dancing, great tunes, pathos and more spirit than an off-licence.  

Every principal, and I mean every one was top notch, but in young Jalisa Andrews as Deloris Van Cartier HMOS have unearthed a real star.   In possibly the most charismatic and fabulous performance I have seen this year, she was a total delight.   The show is built round Deloris and she should dominate the show.   Did she succeed?   Is the Pope a Catholic?!!

The following performers played these parts:-

Maggie Bradshaw - Mother Superior - The Jekyll to Deloris' Hyde (or vice versa, dependant on one's view).     Quality singing and acting.

Hannah Vincent  - Sister Mary Robert - a nicely pitched demureness and a wonderful "when the worm turned" scene.                       

Zak Negri  - lovable nerd Sweaty Eddie         - his comedic dancing stole the show.

Paige Fayers - Sister Mary Patrick - hilarious, warm hearted.                       

Valerie Carr - Sister Mary Lazarus - Energetic and great comedic touch.                  

Bernice Baker - Sister Mary Theresa - made much of this smaller role.         

Jo Pandolfi - Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours - Deliciously played this "other worldly nun.     

Becky Hill - Michelle and Sister Mary Paulette       }  both accomplished actresses  

Siobhan Doyle - Tina and Sister Mary Margaret    }  with good voices                                 

Danny Willis   - Curtis - Over the top character given real charisma.                                      

Michael Guerriero     - Joey  - Would be cool were he not also stupid.   Played with great skill.

Sebastian Roughley - Pablo - Hispanic character, another comic success.                 

George Lester -TJ - dim, conceited, but very watchable!                                           

Matt Brading - Ernie (killed), Altar Boy, cab driver- did well throughout.     

Ken Smith - Monsignor O'Hara - warm hearted optimist.   A wonderful portrayal and a rich speaking voice.

There were so many amusing moments too.    Notably a Drag Queen (Olly Reeves), similar to Deloris, mistaken for her and also appearing at the finale.   However, there were scenes full of pathos too and I would mention "I could be that Guy" with Sweaty Eddie and "The life I never led" with Sister Mary Robert   both of which were extremely moving.   The chase scene was handled superbly with impressive movement.  The set changes worked quickly and most efficiently.   Lighting most effectively used was under the design and operation of the experienced Richard Pike.

The show had great costumes too.   These were by Lisa Guerriero and Sandra Mortimer assisted by Pippa Brass and Ginny Dorr.   The Nuns all looked realistic and Deloris wore some outrageous OTT costumes.    

Company singing was delightfully ghastly and tuneless as the scene required, but when Deloris had taught the nuns "proper" singing, what a transformation.   The energy was beguiling.

The Director Chris Malone clearly relished directing this smash hit show;   he had thoroughly understood how it worked on many levels and the mood and pace changes were brilliantly handled.   His stamp was all over this show and the hard working company did him and themselves proud

Musical Director James Marr band gave sterling support, though I did miss a little word here and there due to excessive volume.   But even so the sound was terrific.

The talented Choreographer Josie Hazell  got the utmost from this joyous cast with some spectacular routines that were frankly sensational.

I would commend the attractive highly informative programme.   Cast pictures and comprehensive biographies made interesting reading.    It was good too to note prominent mention of "NODA and our Aims" and featuring the NODA crest.   An attractive programme, which is among the best I have seen this year.  

As you may have realised by now the same is certainly true of this stunning performance of this vibrant show.

- Take a bow HMOS -

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