Fresh from its London run and just as the second big-screen sequel is announced, Sister Act has made a divine return to the second city.
The show, based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, 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.
This production is a slight reimagining of the previous West End and touring run's, but remains fairly true to the films original plot. The story is condensed and has a brand new soundtrack, which was nominated for one of five Tony Awards the show was up for back in 2011. Quite frankly it's an outrage that they didn't win any because the score is one of the catchiest, most addictive parts of the show without a single song acting as a space filler.
Sandra Marvin takes on the role of Deloris Van Cartier, a part which has attracted a good number of diva's in its time - from Alexandra Burke to Beverley Knight, and of course Whoopi herself. From start to finish, Marvin is an absolute joy to watch. She steps up to the mark and consistently gives 110% to a part which rarely see's her leave the stage. Bringing the sass, laughs and sheer talent we've come to expect from the role, Let’s not make light of this; Deloris os a vocally demanding role, but one Marvin grabs by the horns, proving why she's a star from the first moment she steps on stage.
But its important to point out that Marvin also leads an immensely talented cast, with every actor on stage this evening giving their all. Lesley Joseph takes the (perfectly cast) role of Mother Superior, a part which was immortalised by Maggie Smith on the film. Joseph certainly harks back to Smith’s characterisation and has the most exceptional comedic pedigree. Part of British acting royalty, the love for Joseph was palpable from the moment she entered the stage and she won the hearts of the audience instantly. However, Joseph brings a new spin to the character, drawing on elements of Smith's portrayal but without becoming a pastiche - something which re- cemented our love for this icon.
That's something echoed in Lizzie Bea's exceptional take on Sister Mary Robert - the character who has the biggest vocal transformation in the show, and who was played by one of the theatre world's biggest rising stars. Bea's vocals are simply outstanding and her rendition of ‘The Life I Never Led’ was easily the best version, both technically and emotionally, that exists. Understandably, it received one of the biggest eruptions of applause all night - something which was more than justified.
All in all, a stunning performance of a show that you absolutely HAVE to tick off your 'to-do' list...with a stellar cast bringing it to life on stage. If the does return to the West End for a longer run, this is the company that needs to take it there.
Sister Act is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 15th October. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
