Sister Act – A Divine Musical Comedy – Royal & Derngate, Northampton

I had not seen the film, so I had nothing to compare with. I have been told that there were no songs from the original film in this musical! This was clearly not an issue for me. Sister Act is a musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film of the same, it is not the film or the book! Bill Steinkellner and Cheri Steinkellner are an American husband and wife screenwriting duo. They wrote the book of the musical Sister Act, for which they received a Tony Award nomination.

Cheri and Bill Steinkellner have taken up the story, ramped up the camp and written a musical that is very funny. Director Bill Buckhurst delivers a production that is joyously active. The cast, includes Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters as Mother Superior & West End star Landi Oshinowo as heroine Deloris Van Cartier, everyone’s favourite nun on the run!

“I’m so thrilled to be joining the ‘sisterhood’, getting out on tour again, and visiting some wonderful places with this fabulous show. I’m excited to get going with Mother Superior and this great, feel good show!” Wendi Peters

The plot is now quite familiar to many. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a murder by her gangster boyfriend Curtis Jackson ( Ian Gareth – Jones). Placed under protective police custody, until her boyfriend is taken to court, she is hidden in a place where no one would think to look for her, a convent struggling to pay its bills! Encouraged to tutor the simply awful convent choir, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own strengths. She also helps Sister Mary Robert (Eloise Runnette) reflect on her own decisions about life in the convent and what she really wants from life. The comedy musical, yes there were many amusing moments, contains original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken & several songs inspired by Tamla Motown, soul and disco. The soundtrack was very powerful.

The songs from the nuns have to be heard to be believed. I was very impressed by the performance of the cast, particularly the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier (Landi Oshinowo) who was brilliant! The set changes were particularly impressive too, I thought the stained-glass stage set, costumes & lighting effects were very impressive. The nuns habits at the finale were very colourful.

I smiled & laughed in all the right places. It was a joy to watch & very entertaining. All the cast had excellent singing voices and performed their individual set pieces with ease. The characters were great fun including steady Eddie Souther (Alfie Parker), who we discover late in the show that he had a soft spot for Deloris when they were at school together.

I would recommend that you do not miss this brand new production of the Broadway & UK smash hit musical Sister Act. All of the superb cast got a deserved standing ovation at the end of the show. Sister Act the Musical was both cheerful & inspiring, a must-see show which raises the spirits & warms your soul, in equal measures. A great evening out at the theatre!

Their story really is heaven – sent! This musical really brightened my day, because it was so uplifting.

Sister Act – The Divine Musical Comedy is on stage at the Royal & Derngate all this week until Saturday 15th June.