AD-Gifted
Manchester has been blessed with Sister Act, the divine musical comedy, which is playing at Palace Theatre until Saturday 9 July.
Sister Act is a proper cult classic. I remember sitting in my very catholic nans house, surrounded by religious statues, usually bored and feeling out of place. Her only atheist grandkid. But always finding comfort from the old and worn Sister Act DVD. It was, and still is, an epic movie.
Nostalgia is a strong feeling so this musical adaptation really did have a lot to live up to. And Jesus does it deliver!
Don’t forget to read my review of The Cher Show and Anything Goes
Nuns the word
Deloris Van Cartier is a wannabe club singer who accidentally witnesses her dangerous boyfriend kill a man. Before she knows it, she is put into hiding at a nunnery. The worst place for this foul-mouthed independent lady with the big hair and sparkly clothes.
Struggling to fit in she finally finds her calling teaching the less than competent choir. But with some Cartier magic, these singing sisters and their funky melodies are suddenly heard in the community and indeed across the religious world.
This newly found fame makes the sanctuary less than private and her life is put back in danger. But with a strong sisterhood behind her, it might not be so easy to cause harm.
The musical is similar to the movie plot, but not exactly, and the way it’s performed feels incredibly filmic. The set is stunning with glorious arches and jazzy disco balls. But what this show has done better, is crank up the comedy and turn up the music to reach the pearly gates themselves!
It is a laugh a minute, fast paced production that turns these god-fearing nuns into spectacular soul sisters.
Praise this cast
Whoopi Goldberg is one almighty hard act to follow but Sandra Marvin makes Deloris her own. In fact, I can’t imagine it being played by anyone else now. She has the attitude, sass and total star quality that make her the perfect casting. Her vocal prowess is not of this world.
Jennifer Saunders is another inspired casting. Her quiet disgust and dismissiveness as Mother Superior is unbearably funny. As expected, her comedic performance is phenomenal. If I was as good as her, I’d definitely have a god-like complex.
Keala Settle nails the over-the-top enthusiasm ideal to play Sister Mary Patrick and the voice to match that energy. Lizzie Bea has the most beautiful vocals for a quietly reserved Sister Mary Patrick. ‘The Life I Never Led’ is a real moment and her applause is more than deserved.
Keep a close eye out for Pablo (Damian Buhagiar), Joey (Tom Hopcroft) and TJ (Bradley Judge), the motley mob trio with a triumphant performance as a groovy and grossly funny boyband.
I don’t want to preach, but I’m not exaggerating when I say Sister Act the musical is ‘fabulous, baby’. Throw on your Sunday best and take a pew. This is not to be missed.
Playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 9 July 2022.