Sister Act

My first official engagement was to visit the lovely Norbury Theatre, for the production of Alan Menker and Glenn Slater’s “Sister Act”, which tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, who when witnesses her big time crook and fancy man carry out murder, has to hide for her own safety in the unlikely location of a convent. This production had everything; a talented principal line up, comedy, pathos, toe tapping musical numbers, great choreography, sparkling costumes and simple but effective staging.

Deloris played by Eve Meusz was perfectly cast, with just the right amount of attitude & humour and matched by Ann Mayor’s Mother Superior mixing reverence and comedy in equal proportions. But there were splendid performances too from Rob Holcroft’s sensitive ‘Sweaty’ Eddie Souther, Holly Russell’s Mary Robert and her moving second act solo, together with John Birchley’s caring Monsignor O’Hara and Rebecca Fearnley’s inspirational and full of fun Mary Patrick.

Glyn Digget’s villainous Curtis Jackson was ably supported by the talented trio of movers, Thomas Cullen, Paul Bellamy and Nathan Wilde. But the whole cast deserved the ovation they received from the full house.

The choreography was excellent and obviously well rehearsed. Deloris transported the not so talented Nuns led by the very funny Mary Lazarus played by Anne Lane, into a fun and slick troupe and I was particularly impressed with the staging in the convent with effective back-lit windows, taking full advantage of the stage depth. There were some well handled quick costume changes, not least into the sparkling finale. Congratulations to the whole Production team.

The evening brought back happy memories of appearing on the Norbury stage in the 70s. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, thank you.

Bruce Wyatt,

Regional Representative District 10

(On behalf of Andy Brown)

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