Craig Revel Horwood is best known as the fab-u-lous judge on
BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, but his latest project as Director and Choreographer of the divine musical comedy
“Sister Act” should fast become his most notable work as this production is
absolutely heavenly.
"This diva's got a secret...and it's nun of your business"
“Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van
Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a
murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be
found – a Convent! Disguised as a nun
and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow
sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling
tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.”
Starring Alexandra Burke, fresh from her run as Rachel in
The Bodyguard UK tour, Joe Vetch and Sarah Goggin, this tour of
Sister Act brings an array of actor-musos to the stage in spectacular fashion. Each
character shines, not only as a singer, dancer and actor, but as a musician
too. The wonderful selection of musical instruments, ranging from banjos to
flutes to accordions and beyond, is seamlessly woven into this show and adds a
fantastic new dimension to the musicality of the piece.
Burke shines in the role of Deloris Van Cartier (a.k.a.
Sister Mary Clarence). Not only is she a sensational vocalist, but she is a
fabulous actress with wonderful comic timing to fit this sassy and
larger-than-life role. As expected, she sang the roof off the building and earned her standing ovation at curtain call.
The entire supporting cast are equally as funny in their own
unique ways. Who would ever have thought hearing a dozen nuns singing hymns painfully
off-key could be so funny? Each nun
adds something new to the ensemble with a recognisable character trait without
being clichéd.
This show is all about the female cast. Sarah Goggin as the young,
postulant nun Sister Mary Robert is small, but mighty. She’s a pint-sized
powerhouse with outstanding potential for her future career. One to watch,
folks! Susannah Van Den Berg as Sister Mary Patrick is another outstanding
vocalist from the cast with soprano notes that would make any prima-donna
jealous. She was a true joy to watch.
Joe Vetch makes a instantly likeable “Sweaty Eddie” and shone
during “I Could
This show is elevated by its sensational lighting – the best
in any show I’ve seen since my last visit to Wicked at the Apollo Victoria. The
small and slight changes to the warmth of the lighting made a huge impact and
really aided scene changes with a relatively static set, but for the most part
the lighting is big, bold and bright. The colourful backdrop of the 1970’s
showcases designer Richard G Jones’s talent superbly. Bravo, Sir.
It’s a shame that this almost perfect show did not run
without faults – there were a few minor sound balancing errors and transitions
which could have been refined a little more, but overall, this show is so feel-good, it’s impossible not to
leave without a smile on you face. You’ll find yourself dancing in your seat,
toe-tapping and head-bobbing along to the infectiously catchy tunes.
Sing hallelujah indeed. This show is fabulous, baby!
Review by Harriet Langdown
Rating: ★★★★
