Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 6 May 2023
Reviewed by Gill Gardiner
5*****
A joyous show full of comedy, glorious music and fine acting. Based on the iconic movie this is the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier (Sandra Marvin) a disco diva who is forced into protective custody when she she witnesses a murder. She gets the better of an organised crime syndicate by putting on a habit and blending in with a convent load of nuns. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior (Lesley Joseph), Deloris helps the sisters find their voices, raise money to save the convent and in the process finds herself.
It is the music and the comedy that make this show. The gospel songs of the movie are replaced by an original score of 70’s disco music with stand out performances by Sandra Marvin (Deloris), Clive Rowe (as Eddie Souther) who raised the roof at times, and Lizzie Bea (as Sister Mary Robert) who delivered soaring solo vocals. Comedy permeates the production with Lesley Joseph leading the way with her masterful portrayal of Mother Superior, comedy acting at its very best. But this is not just a show about outstanding performances, it would be wrong to ignore the other actors, the show is often at its best with the big choir numbers delivering beautiful harmonies and group comedy sketches which had the audience in stitches.
The finale had the audience on their feet with a well deserved standing ovation. A first rate show which pays tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music – a joy to watch.