Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 28th October 2023
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5*****
Starring Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior, this production delivers everything that is promised. From the minute you sit down, you get a feeling that this production is going to be packed with quality touches. Set in 1970s Philadelphia, the storyline follows an ambitious singer into witness protection, through desperation and ultimate transformation.
The stage and tone for the production are set perfectly by the attention to detail in design and lighting. The bar and tempo are both set to ‘high’ by the opening scene and musical rendition.
Deloris Van Cartier, is an attention seeking, gifted singer who relies on the power and influence of her boyfriend Curtis to get her first big break. Unfortunately for Deloris, Curtis (played by Ian Gareth-Jones) is more interested in his power and influence on the streets.
After seeing Curtis murder one of his followers and feeling disillusioned at receiving a second hand ‘murdered smurf’ fur coat as a gift, Deloris reports what she has seen to the police. In a moment of classic coincidence, Deloris discovers that ‘Steady’ Eddie Souther from her school days is now in charge of Philadelphia policing.
With a flame for Deloris re-ignited, Eddie (played by Alfie Parker) kicks into gear to protect her until Curtis is brought to justice. Eddie determines that the perfect hiding place is the local Church of Eternal Sorrow, host to an order of nuns and in a rapidly deteriorating condition. The church and its order feel cold, sombre and hopeless; further enhancing the exaggerated personality that Landi Oshinowo brings to the role of Deloris.
Disheartened by the conditions of stay imposed on her by Mother Superior, Deloris’ spirit is not broken. Frustrated by Deloris’ lack of humility and risky behaviours, Mother Superior directs her to join the choir where she turns a group of caterwauling nuns into soul singers able to harness their new harmony to raise enough money to save the church from ruin.
Without doubt, the star of this show is the perfect combination of costume design, ironic humour, storytelling through song and the restorative effect of soul music. It really is a divine musical comedy! Go and see this show if you get the chance and witness the transformative effect of hope, laughter and soul for yourself.