Review: Sister Act

“People like the theatre, they like casinos…they don’t like going to church. You know why? Cause it’s a drag.”

That sentiment proves to be both true and false as Nottingham’s Theatre Royal is temporarily transformed into the house of God for the opening night of Sister Act the Musical.

This musical adaptation, based on the 1992 film of the same name, is both directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood of Strictly Come Dancing fame.

Those familiar with the original film will be well aware of the delightfully ridiculous plot which sees a nightclub singer go into hiding after witnessing a murder committed by her sleazy lover. She finds solace with a habit of nuns, masquerading (badly) as one of the devout Catholics herself.

Billed as a divine musical comedy, this all-new revival stars Alexandra Burke as Deloris Van Cartier aka Sister Mary Clarence, stepping into the shoes of Whoopie Goldberg who played the original ‘nun on the run.’

Unfortunately a back injury means Burke isn’t able to take to the stage when the curtain comes up on opening night. Fortunately for those of us in the audience, her alternate, Joanna Francis, is on hand to step up to the challenge and by no means does she disappoint.

Francis’ portrayal of Deloris as a sassy, audacious and unapologetically driven singer with dreams of stardom is flawless. She hits all the right notes, has the comedic timing down to a tee and never steps a foot wrong. The audience are clearly enamoured with her and it’s easy to see why.

There are a couple of noticeable differences in this performance compared with the original film production. The most prominent is that we’re taken back to the 1970s where flared trousers ruled and disco was king. It’s a creative choice that pays off and makes for some fabulous costumes in the second act. Sequins is what I’m getting at…sequins everywhere.

The decision has been made to include a love interest for Deloris in the form of love-struck policeman, Eddie (Joe Vetch). It’s a choice that seems a little redundant. Why a strong, independent, talented woman hiding from mobsters requires a love interest is anyone’s guess. There’s a sense the plot would have survived just fine without it though Vetch (and indeed Eddie as a standalone character) is fantastic in his own right.

Disappointingly the pacing feels a little lacklustre in places and the production lags around two thirds of the way through the first act before being rescued by a very Bee Gees reminiscent, “I Could be That Guy.”

Sister Act’s strength lies in its plentiful jokes and innuendos which earn more than a couple of chuckles. The comedy element of the production is consistent and frequent meaning the laughs start early and don’t let up throughout.

Special mention should be given to Ricky Rojas, Samuel Morgan-Grahame and Sandy Grigelis who play a trio of hapless henchmen. They absolutely nail the endearing dim-wittedness of their characters, rightly earning some of the loudest applause of the evening.

The bottom line is that Sister Act is a musical with a heart of gold that keeps it light. It might not be the most polished production you’ll see this year but it’s certainly enjoyable all the same.

Review by Laura Somers