‘Sister Act’ the musical is back on the road and is touring the UK with its new London Palladium production. This stage adaptation of the 1992 film follows Deloris Van Cartier as she goes into hiding in a convent, when witnessing her boyfriend (Curtis Jackson), murder one of his henchmen. Whilst in the convent, undercover as Sister Mary Clarance, Deloris takes over as conductor of the nun’s choir, however with Mother Superior on her back, will this lead to success? Playing Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until Saturday 7th October.
Leading this nun-tastic production is Landi Oshinowo, who brings us the farcical comedy, sass and naivety of Deloris Van Cartier, with a killer voice and brilliant stage presence. The catalyst of Deloris’ enjoyment comes in the form of Lesley Joseph’s no-nunsence Mother Superior. Joseph radiates dry wit and a stern presence, a perfect balance to bring Maggie Smith’s much-loved character to stage.
Lizzie Bea has finally landed in Edinburgh after a stint of successful runs in London’s West End, including the original run of this very production. Bea’s Sister Mary Robert initially is shy, and withheld (as she should be), however as the narrative progresses we see this young woman become aware of herself, and her calling, whilst also belting with a glorious voice.
Eddie Souther is portrayed with farcical comedy and nuanced emotion by Alfie Parker. Most notably is his performance of ‘I Could Be That Guy’, which both has beauty and comedy laced through the number. Ian Gareth-Jones serves villainy and brutality as Deloris’ problematic love interest, Curtis Jackson. This is a great supporting performance, where the menacing nature of Curtis is fully utilized.
Isabel Canning brings us a bonkers and joyous portrayal of Sister Mary Patrick, with bombastic vocals. This production of course features a band of talented nuns who aren’t afraid to raise their voice. The ensemble are as follows; Lori-Haley Fox (understudying Julie Stark) as Sister Mary Lazarus, Ceris Hine (understudying Lori-Haley Fox) as Sister Mary Martin of Tours, Wendy-Lee Purdy as Sister Mary Theresa, Amber Kennedy doubling as Tina and a nun, Esme Laudat doubling as Michelle and a nun, with Sheri Lineham & Eloise Runnette as onstage swings.
We also have supporting male artists bringing comedy, vocals and general fun into this production. Phillip Arran portrays a soul loving Monsignor O’Hara, Bradley Judge brings us the farcical TJ, Damian Buhagiar gives us a Latin stud as Pablo, Callum Martin is the more grounded of Jackson’s trio of thugs as Joey, Castell Parker tackles various roles but instigates the gritty side of this story as Celmont, Joseph Connor also takes on various roles which showcase versatility including cop & bartender and finally Michael Ward (Dance Captain) features as onstage swing.
Alan Menken’s composition and Glenn Slater’s lyrics bring bombastic energy and grandeur to the narrative of ‘Sister Act’. Hits such as ‘Fabulous, Baby!’, ‘Take Me To Heaven’, ‘Raise Your Voice’ and ‘Spread the Love Around’ are tremendous musical theatre hits. Arguably the story is lifted with the addition of this score and most of the music lands, with a few questionable numbers. Cheri and Bill Steinkellner’s book for this musical captures the same comedic nuance and slight grit that entails within the motion picture. Bill Buckhurst’s direction of this musical leans on the question of faith within modern society, perhaps there could be a further dive into the complexity of the criminal side of this story, yet there is colour and humour translated well onto stage from the text. This is helped by Morgan Large’s detailed costume and set design, which is brightly lit by Tim Mitchell’s dazzling lighting design.
‘Sister Act’ is an iconic musical which does well to build on the source material of the motion picture. This new UK touring production is a lot of fun and has a lot of heart, which audiences are sure to lap up. There’s no denying, it’s simply fabulous, baby!
Get your tickets for ‘Sister Act’ here – https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/sister-act/71
Photography credit – Mark Senior.
Theatre Scotland 
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