Sister Act

An ambitious nightclub singer witnesses a gangland killing and has to hide in a convent which just happens to be on its uppers. Cue lots of goings on and fun. From the outset, Katie Gardiner as lead Deloris Van Cartier impressed with her showmanship, strong vocals and ability to engage her audience. Her opening numbers with Tina and Michelle (Rebecca Anderson and Stephanie Duncan) set the high standard for the show and continued in great numbers ‘Raise Your Voice’ and ‘Take Me to Heaven’.  Likewise the contrasting role of Mother Superior was effectively delivered by Kirsty Meikle whose appeals to God elicited humour and whose singing and diction were beautifully clear, particularly in the moving ‘I Haven’t Got a Prayer’.  They were ably supported by a variety of nun personalities such as the Irish enthusiasm and singing of Sister Mary Patrick (Shelley McLaren), the aged Sister Mary Theresa (Janice Gray) and the young novice Sister Mary Robert (Lois Anne McNinch) the rebel making her mark with ‘the Life I Never Led’. The nuns exploded into life and song under Deloris’ tutelage and delivered wonderful music and joy in their numbers.  The men have to work hard here but Maurice Pryke gave us a ruthless Curtis Jackson and his band of hoodlums TJ (Iain Davidson), Joey (Colin Fawkes) and Pablo (David Young) revelled in their foolery. The role of Monsignor O’Hara provided Michael Coyne the opportunity to hone his comedic talents.  Kenny Walker as Sweaty Eddie the police officer in love with Deloris has a difficult role to overcome his nickname and become a worthy mate for her but he did so with dignity. Minor roles were well handled. Scene changes were slick.  The set and costumes contributed to a spectacular show yet came second to fine singing and joyous movement. You could not fail to be uplifted by such a performance.  Well Done.

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