Sister Act The Musical At The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Taking us through Deloris’ search to gain protective custody after witnessing a murder, Sister Act the Musical celebrates friendship, sisterhood and music through a unique blend of music, drama and comedy. In disguise and under close scrutiny from Mother Superior, Deloris discovers the voices of her new sisters. Sister Act is lively, bright and bubbly. The perfect show to cure the blues. It was a great treat to see much of the original music by Tony® and Oscar® winner Alan Menken retain its original form, with the only noticeable difference being the re-written song ‘It’s Good To Be A Nun’ (previously ‘How I Got the Calling’) and the addition of a new song ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer’.

As Deloris Van Cartier, Gabrielle Davina Smith plays a fun, lively role in this delightful musical. Gabrielle Davina Smith is exceptional and her soul voice works radiantly for the character. As the iconic Deloris, she captures the audience’s imagination faultlessly. As the score contains the vast majority of ensemble numbers, the harmonies are particularly impressive, particularly in ‘Raise Your Voice’, ‘Take Me To Heaven’, and ‘Sunday Morning Fever’. This production features a talented cast filled with well-known musical stars who are not shy to belting out a tune including, Clive Rowe, Lizzie Bea and Jeremy Secomb. Actress Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior for me portrayed the same caution and disdain as the original from the film. This actress and broadcaster is best known for playing Dorien Green in the television sitcom Birds of a Feather. In addition to adding her own unique element of comedy, she remains true to the character while staying true to the story line. It’s obvious from the way Saunders’ vocals are executed during ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer’ that she is more than just a comedian. Although she does not have the most powerful voice, she makes up for what she lacks in power with comic timing and wit. Happy-go-lucky Sister Mary Patrick is played brilliantly by Catherine Millsom.

Because of the rewrite of ‘How I Got the Calling,’ audiences are no longer introduced to all of the nuns. This diminishes Sister Mary Robert’s relevance and the empathy the audience may feel towards her. Nonetheless, Lizzie Bea’s interpretation of ‘The Existence I’ve Never Driven’ and the repeat unquestionably blew the crowd away and exhibited the characters genuine weakness and obligation to her sisters. The set, designed by Morgan Large, works well and it will definitely impress during the shows UK Tour. The set pieces are ingeniously used to add to the production and produce some striking moments onstage. Together with the sound design by Tom Marshall and Tim Mitchell’s outstanding bright and colourful lighting, the lit backdrops worked brilliantly to create the convent’s stained-glass windows and create the glitz and glamour Deloris dreams of. Alistair David’s 1970’s Motown inspired choreography was based on plenty of soul and disco, and is performed effectively throughout the show. There aren’t many dance scenes in this production but those that are included fit in completely with the performance.

As always, I am weary that once I have watched and loved a film that the theatre production would somehow diminish its value to me but Sister Act the Musical remains true to the much-loved Whoopi Goldberg film and encourages everyone to Raise Your Voice in this story of friendship. Hilarious, moving and most of all fun; Sister Act is a fabulous way to spend an evening with the whole family so make sure you don’t miss out on this magical production or check it out on its UK Tour.

Overall, we rate this show as 5/5 for sheer feel good feeling and absolute phenomenal talent!

Sister Act the Musical is playing at the Lyceum Theatre until the 15th April 2023 before continuing on the UK tour.

For information and tickets click https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/sister-act/dates.