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Sister Act - another smash hit for the Princess Theatre
Nuns sparkle in dazzling and roof raising musical
SISTER ACT Company Photo Mark Senior
Reporter:
jim Parker
28 Aug 2024 1:55 PM
Email:
jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was going to be a tough act to follow, but the Princess Theatre has smashed it again.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was going to be a tough act to follow, but the Princess Theatre has smashed it again.
Sister Act is the latest musical to have them clapping, dancing and singing in the aisles at the Torquay seafront venue.
A few weeks before we had Chitty flying high to woo the audience. This time it was a convent, nuns dressed in sparkly costumes and a Catholic priest with dazzling shades - not to mention a murder plot - to add to the Princess's ever-growing list of musical delights which it continues to deliver with huge success despite the challenges of performing in such a confined theatrical space.
The new production of the Broadway and UK award winning musical comes straight from London. It follows the same story as the iconic 90s film of the same name, which starred Whoopi Goldberg.
The story line focuses on disco diva Deloris who is placed under protective custody after witnessing a clubland murder. She’s placed in one place the mob won’t look…a nunnery.
The solemn and pious lifestyle of the dour-looking nuns is totally turned upside down by the arrival of the nightclub singer who soon discovers they have much more than quiet prayers to offer. They are a singing sensation.
The hit upbeat musical features a score written by multi-award winning composer Alan Menken who was behind Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Some songs may not be as well-known as those in the original film but they were a rip-roaring success which almost blew the roof off.
Well known former Coronation Street actress Wendi Peters dons a habit as Mother Superior. Wendi may be famous as soap star Cilla Battersby-Brown but she began her career on stage with performances in several musicals to follow. Her experience shone through with a polished performance.
It would be impossible and unfair to compare any modern-day Deloris with the legendary Whoopi Goldberg of more than 30 years ago, but if you had to West End star Landi Oshinowo would make a good job of it. She was a perfect fit for the songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, loud and brash one minute soft and warm the next.
I loved all the nuns, especially Sister Mary Patrick, played by Isabel Canning and the deep-voiced Julie Stark as Sister Mary Lazarus. Sister Mary Robert - remember her as the shy and quiet one in the film. Eloise Runnette played the role here and what a voice she has 'hidden' until Deloris helped her find it. Eloise is making her professional debut in Sister Act. Remember the name.
Outstanding Alfie Parker provides the comic touch - as well as a great voice - as police officer Eddie Souther. Ian Gareth-Jones delivered his Mr Nasty role well as clubland boss and killer Curtis Jackson.
Then there was Phillip Arran as Monsignor O'Hara and those sparkly shades and eye-catching, unholy attire - a credit to Morgan Large, in charge of set and costume design. Nuns, a Catholic priest and don't forget the Pope dazzling and jumping for joy on a stage in Torquay. An unusual combination.. Another smash hit for the Princess.
Sister Act runs until August 31.
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