“Filled with fun, finesse and fizz, this show makes for a divine night out”
Cast your mind back to March 16th, 2020. You may not recall your exact movements that day, but you will no doubt remember it was the week it became abundantly clear the world was about to change due to Covid. Workplaces closed their doors, working from home became the modus operandi, Boris advised against large gatherings and non-essential travel, and theatres across the UK closed their doors.
For the cast and crew of this version of Sister Act The Musical, it happened to be their very first day of rehearsals. So when they were all sent home and the show was put on hold indefinitely, it seemed only a heavenly intervention would turn things around. But fast forward two and a bit years and it appears their prayers have been answered. The show had its opening night at the Eventim Apollo earlier this week, and even before the curtain went up it was clear the audience was in for a treat.
Based on the much-loved 1992 movie of the same name, the show centres around Deloris Van Cartier. Deloris is a lounge singer in Nevada (re-set to Philadelphia for the musical) who witnesses her mobster boyfriend commit a murder. After fleeing to the police, she is forced to go into hiding in a convent until she testifies at the trial. Posing as a nun, she rejuvenates the convent’s vocally challenged choir and transforms them into a vibrant group who perform traditional hymns infused with rock n’ roll twists. Her efforts revitalise the failing convent and the down-and-out neighbourhood that surrounds it. The action focuses on the music, and Deloris’ relationships with the nuns, especially the old-fashioned Mother Superior who struggles to keep her disapproval under her wimple.
First announced back in 2019, producer Jamie Wilson has worked tirelessly to ensure this production finally gets to spread its heavenly glow across audiences. Soul singer Beverley Knight shines as the protagonist Deloris, and belts out tunes Whoopi Goldberg would be proud of. Goldberg is joint producer, and was originally set to return as Deloris had the show gone ahead when it was originally scheduled to. But Knight is a resolute replacement and is on pitch both musically and comically.
Jennifer Saunders channels her innate comedic talents into the role of the Mother Superior and pulls it off with aplomb. The role was originated by the indomitable Dame Maggie Smith in the movie, so the shoes are large ones to step into.
Deloris and the Mother Superior are from completely different ends of the spectrum, and Saunders and Knight bounce off each other well. Saunders’ solo “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” showcased her vocal abilities as the Mother Superior sits in her study late at night fretting over Deloris’ presence. The addition of a cheeky hip flask hidden under her habit was a nice touch.
Set and Costume Designer Morgan Large has created a visually pleasing set. For the first part of the show, the convent set appears gloomy and gothic with a drab and dilapidated feel to it. But as the show progresses and the convent comes to life via the musical influence of Delores, it becomes an all singing, all dancing extravaganza of colour.
The only criticism is the underutilization of Keala Settle who plays Sister Mary Patrick. Settle is known universally for her rendition of “This is Me” in “The Greatest Showman” and almost needs no introduction. The role of Sister Mary Patrick was a memorable, larger than life character in the movie, played with plenty of laughs by Kathy Najimy. It was therefore disappointing the role wasn’t as prominent in this version. Settle’s talents weren’t subsequently used as much as one would hope for given her ability and renown.
In contrast, the role of Sister Mary Robert was utilized to proper capacity and superbly played by Lizzie Bea. Her spine-tingling rendition of “The Life I Never Led” was a real highlight. In addition, Lesley Joseph provided laughs aplenty as the cranky Sister Mary Lazarus.
To conclude, this is an uplifting, colourful treat that tickles your funny bones and hits all the right notes. Whether you are a fan of the movie, or have maybe seen a previous version of the musical, it makes for a divine night out that’s well worth a ticket.