Sister Act, Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Emily
Based on the film of the same name, Sister Act the musical opened last night at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh. Under the direction of Bill Buckhurst, this production opened in the Apollo Theatre in London in 2022 before embarking on its UK tour. With music by Alan Menken
As a fan of the film starring Whoopi Goldberg, I was really looking forward to the musical version of Sister Act and it didn’t disappoint. Set in Philadelphia in the 1970’s, Deloris Van Cartier witnesses her gangland lover kill one of his entourage. She has to seek police protection when her high school crush, Officer Eddie, stashes her in the care of the Nuns of Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow. Although reluctant to embrace their way of life to begin with, Deloris’ love of music eventually entrenches her into the sisterhood.
The company was superbly cast with the characters of the individual Nuns unveiled throughout the show and led from the top, with Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior. From Birds of a Feather fame, Lesley has appeared in countless stage productions. I have seen her in The Vagina Monologues, Calendar Girls and Annie and she never disappoints, her timing and delivery are hilarious! Lizzie Bea (Sister Mary Roberts) hit all the right notes- what a voice! Landi Oshinowo dazzled as Deloris, with great presence, she commanded the stage and kept the audience enthralled.
The audience enjoyed hits such as Take me to heaven, Raise Your Voice and Fabulous, Baby! My favourites were Mother Superior, Here Within These Walls and Sister Mary Roberts, The Life I Never Led. I have to admit I did miss My Guy (God) and I Will Follow Him from the film!
One of the stand out moments was Steady Eddie (Alfie Parker) singing I Could be That Guy with his backing singers and multiple costume changes- it really was very funny!
My twelve-year-old daughter accompanied me, and the age recommendation of twelve plus is spot on. She was mature enough to be totally immersed in the storyline, yet it stayed on the right side of age appropriateness. It is worth arriving early at the theatre to take advantage of the lovely Festival Theatre Café to relax before the show and enjoy the light bites, coffees and drinks on offer. The modern theatre is comfortable with plenty of legroom, we sat in the stalls and visibility was excellent. The theatre was also a very comfortable temperature.
The show runs at the Festival Theatre until the 7th October with Act I running for one hour ten minutes, with twenty minute interval followed by Act II which is an hour long. There are evening performances at 7.30pm every day and matinee shows at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday.
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy was a fusion of colour, music and uplifting spirit where the bond of sisterhood shown through.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets from £28.50 – £52.50
Booking link: Sister Act (capitaltheatres.com)
Festival Theatre, 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT.
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/sister-act/71