Dominion Theatre – until 31st August 2024
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
5*****
Everyone has seen or heard of the cult 90s classic film Sister Act, which stars Whoopi Goldberg as lounge singer Deloris van Cartier. It’s the 1970s in Philadelphia and after witnessing her lover murder someone, Deloris is placed in witness protection at a convent, much to the dismay of its Mother Superior. Deloris, along with her fellow nuns, brings this nunnery back from the brink of closure with light, song, and joy, as well as a much-needed new congregation.
Sister Act – The Musical premiered in London’s West End in 2009 and has since toured the UK extensively. Director Bill Buckhurst returns to the Dominion Theatre with more glitz and glamour, while Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken’s music provides an inspired Motown score to this impressive production.
The cast of this production is what makes it special. There are plenty of familiar names in this line-up. X-Factor Winner, Alexandra Burke (The Bodyguard, Chess, Chicago) returns as Deloris van Cartier. Burke is an exquisite vocal powerhouse who effortlessly blows the roof off the Dominion Theatre, while bringing pure sass, glamour, and joy to the stage. This is a role that was made for her to lead. Winner of Any Dream Will Do, Lee Mead (Joseph & The Technicoloured Dreamcoat, Wicked, We Will Rock You), plays police officer ‘Steady’ Eddie in this incredible cast. Mead plays this role with ease and that cheeky glint in his eyes, as he has in all his previous roles.
The well-known names don’t end there. Ruth Jones, the co-writer and star of Gavin & Stacey, makes her West End debut as Mother Superior. Jones brings a comedic element to the role. Jones clearly made this role her own, and she did not hesitate to highlight her Welsh heritage. The audience went wild when Jones, in response to a wolf-whistling audience member, broke character and transformed into her iconic Gavin & Stacey character Nessa, before swiftly returning to her role as Mother Superior.
Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph, a familiar face on television and the stage, returns to the Sister Act cast as Sister May Lazarus. Double Brit-Award and triple MOBO winner Lemar, takes on the role of Curtis Jackson. Alan Menken’s Motown score is ideal for a smooth voice like his. Carl Mullaney (Chicago, Les Misérables, La Cage aux Folles) plays Monsignor O’Hara with a fantastically campy vibe.
Topping off this cast are two absolute powerhouses who aren’t as well-known as their fellow cast members. Alison Jiear (Grease, Jerry Springer: The Opera, Les Misérables) is fantastic as Sister Mary Patrick. Her comedic timing, combined with her incredible voice, adds an endearing quality to this role. Finally, the sensational Lizzie Bea (Hairspray, The Heathers) returns as Sister Mary Robert. I’ve never seen an audience go so crazy with cheers and applause for almost her entire solo of “The Life I Never Led”. Bea had such a powerful voice that she would bring the house down whenever she opened her mouth. Her ability to play the timid Sister Mary Robert while also belting out some of the best vocals I’ve heard in a long time was inspiring! She is a hidden gem of the West End whom I hope to see perform again. This show’s cast is unparalleled but let us not forget about the rest of the cast and ensemble members. Each was equally amazing, guaranteeing this production will be a career highlight for any artist.
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy is a true gift from God. It is not often that a beloved cult film can be transformed into a well-staged production. Sister Act’s heart-warming story of redemption and sisterhood, along with catchy music and an incredible production team makes this an exception. The energy and talent displayed on stage was infectious, leaving the audience in awe from start to finish. Sister Act truly captures the essence of joy and celebration, making it a MUST SEE for all musical theatre fans. In the words of Deloris van Cartier, It’s “FABULOUS, BABY!”.