Sister Act comes to the stage with a stunning adaptation of the 90’s Whoopi Goldberg movie, which tells the story of Delores Van Carter, a nightclub singer who is forced to hide in a nunnery after witnessing a murder.
Delores is initially met with trepidation and weariness by those in the convent, led by mother superior, played wonderfully by Nottingham born Leslie Joseph – best known for her role in sitcom Birds of a Feather, who turns her nose up at Delores’ vices, such as smoking and drinking, at one point responding to a question from Delores about whether there is a smoking section in the convent with the brilliantly wry “yes, my dear, and you are heading for it”.
To give her something to do, Delores is tasked with leading the rather unimpressive convent choir, who sound like nails being dragged down a chalkboard, and promptly turns them into a stunning, soulful chorus that impresses even the mother superior, and helps raise funds for a church in a dire state, but, as the choir gets attention Delores’ is put at risk of having her identity exposed.
This is a fantastic telling of a much loved movie, with the musical theme making it wonderful for the stage. Lizzie Bea, as Sister Mary Robert, and Catherine Milson, as Sister Mary Patrick, were particular stand outs for me, with one the shy wallflower who blossomed and the other who just exuded confidence. The aforementioned Joseph is hilariously good fun as mother superior, while Sandra Marvin does the lead role of Delores justice, making the iconic role her own, while Clive Rowe, who younger readers (and parents) may remember as Duke in much loved kids show Tracey Beaker, is great as Lt Eddie Souther.
Sister Act is a fun filled show filled with laughs, emotion and a whole lotta soul. If you get the chance make sure to check it out.
Review by Geri Patterson – @activist84
Sister Act is at Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 13 May – for more information and tickets click here
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