Theatre Royal, Newcastle – until 24th June 2023
Reviewed by Alex Sykes
4****
Having never seen the film (a mistake which I will correct after writing this review), and only having seen the musical once before, I was really looking forward to seeing the show tonight.
Set in Philadelphia during Christmas 1977, Sister Act tells the story of Dolores (Sandra Marvin who has amazing vocals), a night club singer, who has to hide out in a Convent after watching her boyfriend shoot someone. Although Dolores doesn’t get along with Mother Superior (Lesley Joseph, proving at 77, age is no barrier to physical comedy) to begin with, they eventually warm to each other, especially as Monsignor O’Hara (the hilarious Graham Macduff) doesn’t see the issue of Dolores living with the nuns.
Although Dolores disagrees with Convent life, she bonds with the other nuns after discovering they have a choir and she can help them to improve. Whilst helping the choir Dolores becomes good friends with Sister Mary Robert (Lizzie Bea), a young postulant who has limited experience of life outside the Convent walls.
The sets are basic but different lighting allows the stage to be transformed from the inside of the Convent to the police station where Dolores visits after watching the shooting which changes her life.
Although the songs are mumbled in some parts, they are catchy and make you want to sing along, especially when the nuns are singing Take Me To Heaven which works really well with the nun’s harmonies.
A brilliant night out which will make you smile and want to come back again and again.