Sister Act Nottingham Theatre Royal Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Liz Squires
One of my earliest and fondest memories of my childhood is hunkering down on the sofa, wrapped in a warm fluffy blanket, with a hot chocolate with my late Mamma to watch the 1992 film, Sister Act. I can see her now getting excited about the scene where Deloris Van Cartier is running through the kitchens the second time and she knocks into the young chef, stopping to ask him if he was alright. Mamma was convinced that was not scripted and I will forever hold that memory close to my heart.
As a result, when I discovered Whoopie Goldberg was going to be in the west end rendition of one of my all time favourite films, naturally I was going to move heaven and earth to go and see it. Unfortunately, Covid thwarted that, and she never managed to perform any of the shows.
This means there were practically unrealistic expectations and unbelievably large shoes to fill taking on a role like this; Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, is nothing short of a theatrical triumph. From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are whisked away into a vibrant world where every element—costumes, talent, and stagecraft—melds together to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Let’s start with the costumes, which are nothing short of breath taking. The design team has clearly poured their hearts into creating outfits that are both dazzling and perfectly aligned with the musical’s 1970s setting. Deloris Van Cartier’s costumes are a standout, with each outfit reflecting her evolving journey from a nightclub singer to a nun. Her opening number features a glittering, sequined gown that captures the essence of her character’s glamorous showbiz life, while her transformation into a nun is marked by an array of stunning, meticulously designed habits. Each habit is adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate beadwork, adding a touch of elegance and humour. The contrast between the flamboyant nightclub attire and the understated, yet stylish, habits underscores Deloris’s journey and the cultural clash she navigates. The ensemble’s costumes are equally impressive, with the nuns’ habits being transformed into eye-catching, colourful variations that perfectly complement their personalities and the musical’s energetic vibe.
The talent on display is truly exceptional. Landi Oshinowo’s portrayal of Deloris Van Cartier is a masterclass in charisma and vocal prowess. Her performance is brimming with energy, warmth, and a comedic timing that has audiences laughing and cheering throughout the show. Oshinowo’s voice is a powerhouse, effortlessly navigating the musical’s diverse range of numbers, from soulful ballads to high-octane dance tracks. Her stage presence is magnetic, drawing the audience into every scene and making them root for her character’s journey.
The supporting cast is equally brilliant, with each actor bringing their character to life with impeccable skill. The nuns, played with charm and nuance, transform from a group of timid, reclusive figures into a vibrant and dynamic choir under Deloris’s influence. Their harmonies are tight, their choreography is spot-on, and their comedic moments are handled with perfect timing. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the production.
The creative team behind Sister Act has done a phenomenal job of bringing the beloved film to life on stage. The set design is both functional and visually engaging, seamlessly transitioning between the bustling nightclub and the serene convent. The choreography is energetic and inventive, perfectly capturing the spirit of the musical numbers and enhancing the overall narrative. The direction is spot-on, skilfully balancing humour, heart, and high-energy performance to create a show that is both entertaining and uplifting.
Unfortunately due to a medical emergency I was unable to see the second half of the show and I am devastated. However, I saw enough to say that Sister Act the Musical is a dazzling production that succeeds on all fronts. Landi Oshinowo’s performance as Deloris Van Cartier is a standout, supported by a talented ensemble and a creative team that has poured their creativity into every aspect of the show. The costumes are a visual feast, the talent is undeniable, and the entire production brings the film’s magic to the stage with flair and finesse. It’s a joyous, feel-good experience that leaves audiences with smiles on their faces and a song in their hearts. If you go to the theatre to see anything this year let it be Sister Act, at Nottingham Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets can be purchased from:
https://trch.co.uk/ or by calling 01159 989 5555
Tickets are priced from £22.00 plus transaction fee
https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/sister-act-2024/
Sister Act is at:
Nottingham Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Theatre Square
Nottingham
NG1 5ND
Between 16th September – 21st September 2024