Sister Act the Musical

Sister Act the Musical

York Musical Theatre Company

 

Director & Choreographer Kathryn Addison, Musical Director John Atkin

Joseph Rowntree Theatre

22nd May 2025

 

Fabulous, Baby! Take Me to Heaven, Raise Your Voice, Bless Our Show and Spread the Love Around — not only the titles of standout numbers from Sister Act the Musical, but also the perfect phrases to sum up the immense achievement of York Musical Theatre Company in their latest production. What an absolute triumph.

It's always a pleasure to return to the beautiful Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York. With its charmingly unique atmosphere and generously sized stage, it provides the perfect setting for a big, joyful show like this. The staff are consistently warm, welcoming, and helpful — you feel like part of a theatre family the moment you step through the door.

From the outset, the production was visually striking. The main church-like backdrop was not only beautifully crafted, but impressively adaptable, cleverly transforming between the contrasting worlds of a nightclub and a convent with the addition of subtle set pieces. The creative use of curtains enhanced the more substantial scene changes, maintaining the flow without sacrificing the visual storytelling.

Lighting played a huge role in setting the mood throughout, with a vibrant and well-thought-out design that complemented each scene perfectly. However, while there was so much to admire, one aspect of the show truly rose above the rest — its musicality. It was nothing short of impeccable.

Musical Director John Atkin must be absolutely thrilled with what was achieved on stage. The 10-piece band was phenomenal — tight, energetic, and perfectly balanced. They managed the rare feat of supporting the vocalists without overpowering them, while also offering a rich backdrop to scenes and transitions alike.

Vocally, this cast could rival many professional ensembles. Every single performer held their own, and the creative team should be proud of such a well-cast and well-rehearsed company. The chorus numbers were full and dynamic, yet never overcrowded, and the staging and choreography by Kathryn Addison was inspired. She tailored the choreography to match the individual strengths of the performers, allowing each cast member to shine while maintaining a strong sense of ensemble.

Hayley Bamford delivered a soulful and commanding performance as Deloris Van Cartier, capturing both the sass and sincerity of the character with ease. Kristen Griffins brought gravitas to Mother Superior, with a vocal delivery so powerful and operatic it sent shivers down the spine. Eve Clark as Sister Mary Robert was a standout — full of youthful energy and heartfelt emotion, her performance was packed with charisma. The group of nuns worked beautifully together, embodying not just their roles but the camaraderie and fun of live theatre. The joy they shared on stage was palpable, and infectious.

York Musical Theatre Company can also proudly boast what may be the most talented group of male performers I’ve seen in amateur theatre. Jack Cooper shone as Eddie Souther — his rendition of I Could Be That Guy was vocally superb and full of heart, paired with natural comic timing and charm. Zander Fick as Curtis Jackson was simply phenomenal. His vocals were powerful and rich, and his stage presence commanding — a professional-level performance in every respect.

The comedic trio of Adam Gill (Pablo), Joe Marucci (Joey), and James Dickinson (TJ) were a riot. Their performance of Lady in the Long Black Dress was side-splittingly hilarious — a genuine highlight of the evening, with pitch-perfect comic timing and chemistry. Rob Davies brought a suitably warm and charismatic presence to Monsignor O’Hara — a grounding figure amidst the chaos, and a dependable source of light-hearted humour. Special mention must go to Jonathon Wells, who appeared in a remarkable number of supporting roles and delivered each with clarity, energy, and expertise. His versatility was a joy to witness.

By the final number, the audience were quite rightly on their feet. A sincere and thoroughly deserved standing ovation closed the show — a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of everyone involved in this outstanding production. York Musical Theatre Company have truly raised their voice with Sister Act — and what a voice it is. Bravo!

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