REVIEW | Sister Act The Musical

Photo: Manuel Harlan

★★★★★

Hot from their limited summer season in London, this musical is now spreading joy on the UK & Ireland tour. Sister Act is probably most notable for fans as the iconic film from the early 1990s, starring Whoopi Goldberg as the sparky and unformidable Deloris Van Cartier. 

Heri and Bill Steinkellner's book has evaluated the story above and beyond the film to create a fabulous adaptation for the stage that everyone can enjoy. Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg produce a new touring production that promotes growth and confidence in comparison to the show I saw back in 2018. 

The story begins on Christmas Eve 1977. We are first introduced to Deloris Van Cartier, played by Leicester local Sandra Marvin. The curtain rises on her performing for her gangster boyfriend in the club that he owns. Driven Deloris is determined that this performance will open up the opportunity to work with a record producer, unfortunately, it's not meant to be. The final straw comes on Christmas Day when Curtis buys her a coat, which she later discovers belongs to Curtis's wife, Cynthia. With frustration, she decides to leave Curtis and when she goes to break the news, witnesses Curtis and his cronies shoot somebody who they believe has been talking to the cops about them. 

Read more: My review of Sister Act The Musical in 2018. 

Deloris horrified and concerned about her own safety runs away to the police where she is put into the witness protection programme. She is sent to a place of safety, a convent. Deloris meets Mother Superior and she isn't too keen on the idea of staying in a convent when she realises all of her contact with the outside world is limited, and that she cannot smoke, drink, or wear any of her less-than-appropriate dress code within the walls of the convent. However, Deloris goes on a journey that will make her realise that friendship and affection, real connection is what matters most. 

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Photo: Manuel Harlan

This show packs a lot of punch, especially with this incredible cast at the helm. Each of them really gave a heartening performance that really makes you feel warm inside. 

Sandra Marvin's presence as Deloris is immediate and she carries a vast amount of sass and humour that this character needs. 

Her vocal ability aligns so well with how she portrays this character, it is a natural beauty of a performance. Lesley Joseph proves age is just a number as she delivers a smashing performance as Mother Superior. Her experience really reflects in this role well. 

The nuns in the convent really brought the house down. Their quirky characteristics mean that they are able to individually soak in every little bit of their characters in this production. A stand out was Lizzie Bea. Her rendition of 'The Life I Never Led' quite rightly raised the roof of the theatre. Lizzie really develops Sister Mary Robert right to the very end and it suits her perfectly. 

Even Curtis' cronies are absolutely hilarious! Tom Hopcroft, Damian Buhagiar, and Bradley Judge bless us with their likable trio. The audience gravitates towards their natural charm almost immediately in this show. 

This production has an eye-catching design despite having very little "scenery" to clearly dictate between the scenes. However, what they do manage to produce really does lift the production and doesn't distract us from the fluidity of this musical. 

If you need a musical to shower you with joy and warmth right now, look no further than this production. 

This stunning production is touring across the UK & Ireland until January 2024. Further ticket information for you is here.