Direct from London and now in Stoke, Sister Act is one feel-good musical not to missed for sheer unbridled entertainment value.  Opening in the Potteries tonight to an enthralled audience, it is a show full of music, comedy, dance and drama which is sure to leave an upbeat and joyous feeling in the hearts of all theatre goers.

Many people will remember the riotous film of the same name starring the indomitable Whoopi Goldberg and they may wonder how a stage version may match up, but they would be wrong to think it might fall short, in fact, the musical transferred to the boards brings a truly vibrant exciting element to the storyline which is infectious to watch and truly engaging to be up close and personal with. 

This production starring the formidable Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior, a role she was born to play with her authoritative manner and compassionate undercurrent, tells the tale of a declining faith and congregation which needs the input of a miracle to save it from total demise.  The miracle comes in the form of an unlikely club singer who needs refuge from gangsters and who strangely has the capacity to turn the fortunes of a run-down church and convent completely around.

Landi Oshinowo plays the role of Doloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer who challenges the status quo of the ecclesial setting and who brings love, laughter, a dose of reality and fortune to the closeted world of the nuns.  The charismatic Lizzie Bea from Hairspray fame plays an emotive Sister Mary Robert and her voice and storyline is both poignant, joyous and moving throughout the show. Oshinowo is outstanding as Deloris and she makes the film version of Sister Act look positively tame with her powerful presence, gutsy persona and awesome voice.  The unfolding narrative of Disco Diva Doloris’ life and her unlikely place of sanctuary in the convent is without doubt a memorable union and the antics and shenanigans of the Disco queen and her pious companions prove to be a match made in heaven as the story unfolds.

With a musical score by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco plus some great choreography by Alistair David in scenes involving Alfie Parker as steady Eddie and other outstanding actors in the ensemble, the show is an absolute pleasure to watch as every scene is engaging on so many levels.

Morgan Large’s design of the set and costume is a delight to see with a fabulous retro vibe and plenty of glitter to boot.  Outstanding musical supervision by Neil MacDonald with great numbers such as Take Me To Heaven and The Life I never Led had the audience showing plenty of appreciative applause.

This current tour is an absolute feast to savour if a musical comedy with a crazy murder narrative, belting as well as sublime musical numbers and exciting acting providing pure unbridled entertainment is to your liking.  Sister Act the Musical is fun, moving, surprising and unique in all manner of ways and it is not to be missed if you want a fabulous night at the theatre enjoying one of the best productions on tour this year.

5 stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent on Monday 25 September. Sister Act The Musical continues to show at the Regent Theatre until Saturday 30 September. It then shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Monday 9 - Saturday 14 October and returns to the Midlands next year to run at the Birmingham Hippodrome Monday 13 - Saturday 18 May.