Sister Act – Darlington Hippodrome

Book: Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane

Songs: Alan Menken and Glenn Slater

Director: Bill Buckhurst

When the musical version of Sister Act premiered on London’s West End in 2008, there was controversy over the fact that none of the songs from the 1992 film would appear. Of course, in retrospect, that concern was ridiculous. With a fabulous score by Alan Menken, and witty lyrics by Glenn Slater, the musical version of Sister Act has very quickly become much loved in its own right, spawning a Broadway run, West End revival, numerous amateur productions, and constant tours across the world.

Taking this strong material, this current UK tour presents a thoroughly entertaining and feel-good production that dazzles. Landi Oshinowo plays wannabe club singer Deloris Van Cartier, witness to a homicide by her gangster boyfriend and now under witness protection in a nunnery. Anyone unfamiliar with the plot of Sister Act, need know little more than that: this is a classic fish-out-of-water story, as Deloris’ brassy and unfiltered attitude clashes with that of the convent’s Mother Superior (Kate Powell) as she leads the nun choir on an unconventional route. The relationship between these two characters is key, and both are excellent. Oshinowo oozes confidence and charisma while delivering all of her songs with strong but controlled vocals. Her rendition of the titular song is extremely powerful and her characterisation perfectly balances the outer brashness with her inner vulnerability. Butting heads with Deloris is Kate Powell as Mother Superior. Powell was understudying Wendi Peters on this press night, and her first few scenes showed a modicum of nerves or uncertainty. However, this quickly dispersed and Powell more than ably dispelled any disappointment that the headline star was not in attendance with a perfectly pitched performance. In a role which is often played by a non-singer, Powell’s vocals beautifully bring to life her songs, as well as allowing for a more satisfying climax when the two sing together.

The rest of the cast easily manages to match this level of performance, with a major standout being Alfie Parker as nervous policeman “Steady” Eddie. Parker presents a master-class in physical comedy while also being believably sweet but awkward. His vocals make his few songs shine: his I Could Be That Guy is a show highlight. Another stand-out and also an understudy on press night was Corrine Priest as postulant Sister Mary Robert, delivering a stunning performance as the mousy girl who comes into her own thanks to the presence of Deloris. Priest’s vocals are also superb and she delivers The Life I Never Led to heart-breaking effect.

The other members of the convent are suitably quirky and funny, led as they are by Isabel Canning as the always-upbeat Sister Mary Patrick, and Julie Stark as the dour Sister Mary Lazarus. Meanwhile, the not particularly intimidating villains led by Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis also provide a lot of levity, particularly when Callum Martin, Michalis Antoniou and Elliot Gooch (as Joey, Pablo and TJ) perform the bizarre Lady in the Long Black Dress.

The staging is simple with a fixed set that is adaptable enough to always suit the scene, complimented as it is by use of some beautifully crafted trucks and items of furniture. The lighting is excellent, highlighting the difference between the gloomy recesses of the church with the OTT nightclub scenes, and brilliantly always drawing the eye to the action.

Sister Act has quickly established itself as a musical theatre classic, and this production does nothing but cement that reputation. It’s a bright and breezy, funny and feel-good romp that is suitable for all ages and is guaranteed to slap a huge grin across your face. Go and book now, and pray to God that there are still tickets left.

Runs until Saturday 14th September 2024