Reviewed by Joanne Hughes
Nun’s the Word!
The atmosphere was buzzing when myself and my ‘sisters’ (or rather, two best friends) took our seats for what was anticipated to be a ‘fabulous’ evening at the delightful Mayflower Theatre to see the acclaimed musical Sister Act. Among the audience there were a few who had donned a habit and were obviously excited too.
Most people will know the story from the well-known 1992 hit comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg in which the lively lounge singer Deloris van Cartier sees her mobster beau, Vince La Rocca, murder one of his gang. La Rocca decides Deloris must also die, so she seeks help from the handsome police officer ‘Sweaty’ Eddie who relocates her for her protection whilst La Rocca awaits his trial. Set up in the guise of a nun in a convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, Mother Superior assigns Deloris to the convent’s choir. Deloris inevitably annoys the Mother Superior with her brash personality, but wins over the other nuns by turning them from hopeless caterwauling singers into a brilliant, vibrant and soulful choir that gains widespread attention; this attention helps bring funding back to the church but also blows her cover and places her, and her new-found friends, in danger.
In this stage show, the delightful Deloris is played by Alexandra Burke – who won TV talent show The X Factor in 2008 – and is directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood (the ‘moody’ Strictly Come Dancing judge). Burke has an amazing voice – rich and powerful – perfect for the soulful church music; she is also a natural on the stage, holding her own with the comedy and drama, bagging some laughs along the way – a simply phenomenal Deloris. She was ably supported by a strong cast whom, as well as singing, many of them also played instruments on stage, such as the trumpet-playing Mother Superior and saxophonist Monseigneur O’Hara, so that all the music for the show was live.
The musical doesn’t include the songs from the film, but goes for its own original tunes – the highlights are Take Me To Heaven – a superb upbeat track – and Fabulous Baby! which tends to dominate the whole show, though Burke’s fabulous energy and amazing vocals keep it fresh and joyful all the way through. The songs aren’t the only difference devotees of the movie might notice, though – a romantic subplot involving police officer and school friend ‘Sweaty’ Eddie (Joe Vetch) is also included, which adds a sweet touch to the show.
The scenery is creatively adapted to portray the church, a night club and the police station cells, which with an awe-inspiring use of lighting works really well. The wonderful, and at times comedic, choreography is enhanced by the enthusiasm of the cast, and by the fabulous costumes which include some dazzling sequined 1970’s outfits.
The show has some hilarious moments such as drunk nuns and a memorable one in which Curtis’ crew are trying to seduce the sisters with their classic 1970’s disco moves, leaving the audience in stitches. There are, also, some poignant moments, in particular when Sister Mary Robert soulfully sings The Life I Never Led, and when Deloris realises that her friends are more important than money.
Overall, we loved the show, though it would have been nice to have had some of the familiar songs from the film so that the audience could sing along. However, if you love the 70s music, and want a few laughs, then go along and watch – it really was Fabulous, Baby!
Rating: 3/5
Tickets cost from £20 to £48.50 (booking fees may apply).
Sister Act is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 6-17 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
