Sister Act – Sheffield Lyceum

‘Sister Act – A Divine Musical Comedy’ based on the 1992 smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith featuring original music by Alan Menken. Produced by Jamie Wilson, with the book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Lyrics by Glenn Slater the dazzling dance routines and music inspired by Motown, soul and disco is finally brought to the stage at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre after two years delay due to the pandemic.

For those of you who haven’t seen the film – ‘Sister Act’ is the story of a nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses a murder at the hands of her married lover and is taken under protective custody to hide in a convent. Here she learns life lessons and helps her ‘Sister’s’ to find their voice and save their convent whilst Deloris herself finds friendship, life meaning and her true self.

Set Designer Morgan Large’s set is cohesive and never obtrusive, it ‘frames’ the show every sense of the word, almost hugging the characters of the story as their lives entwine and relationships from different communities collect together for a common good. Large is also Costume Designer and she goes a long way to portray the era of the 70’s glitzy glamour which allows the lighting design by Tim Mitchell to transform the stage from austere to disco in a pulsating heartbeat.

It would seem that the performance I saw was awash with understudies, but this by no means was detrimental in any way. Starting with the leading lady Deloris Van Cartier, played by understudy Gabrielle Davina Smith – this young lady radiates confidence and has a great voice for this role. Her beautiful soulful tones are perfect, I particularly enjoyed her rendition of ‘Sister Act’ as the real Deloris is awakened. In fact from Smith’s opening number, flanked by understudies Michelle (Emma Ralston) and Chloe Hopcroft as Tina, I was impressed. Lesley Joseph took the role of Mother Superior, this lady is a class act. Joseph’s acting through song is riveting to experience and her diction, articulation and subtlety in performance is simply stunning. ‘I haven’t got a Prayer’ had me spellbound and was one my favourite song of the show, Clive Rowe made an unassuming Eddie Souther and his soulful tones were glorious. The quick change number of ‘I Could Be that Guy’ had the audience in raptures. I did feel that the onstage relationship between Deloris and Souther lacked development and felt a little none descript.

Jeremy Secomb’s Curtis Jackson was suitably slimy and disturbing with strong vocals as expected and his three stooges Pablo (Damian Buhagiar), Joey (understudy – Castell Parker) and TJ (Bradley Judge) add the contrasting comedy perfectly.

Sister Act is a glorious vehicle for the more ‘mature’ female actresses, rather than be hidden or a cameo role, these ladies are highlighted beautifully and with great comedic effect. What a pleasure to see – all those years of dramatic experience – showcased in such large numbers, it really is a diamond of a show for ladies of a ‘certain age’. And as one of these ‘experienced’ ladies myself I must say ‘Yes! there is a God!’. Understudy Larissa Alexandrovnia played a delightfully giddy Sister Mary Patrick, Anne Smith’s Sister Mary Lazarus is really in the groove. However, it was the youngest postulant Lizzie Bea in the role of Sister Mary Robert that was the stand out performer of the night for me. Such a talented young woman, her rendition of ‘The Life I Never Led’ has to be one of the strongest I have seen, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck – definitely the highlight of the show.

Collectively number such as Raise your Voice, Sunday Morning Fever and Spread the Love Around worthily raised the roof of the Lyceum theatre. The Nun’s sounded wonderful together and the orchestra directed by Neil Macdonald blended beautifully. The Sound Design of the show by Tom Marshall was especially noteworthy, especially for a touring production.

The cast of Sister Act embodies the fun and the joy of this production with great gusto, it is glitzy, slick and full of ‘spirit’ – from its characters to its message!  It is a joy to experience such a great, feel-good show. At the Sheffield Lyceum until the 15th April 2023, if you haven’t already bought a ticket, I urge you to go buy one and I can assure you ‘Sister Act’ will have you laughing out loud and stood on your feet at the end in rapturous applause. https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/sister-act

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 5th April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★