Reviews

Sister Act (Tour – Manchester)

Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment’s Sister Act is an uplifting piece of musical theatre that will undoubtedly leave you praying for more.

After a Reno lounge singer, Deloris Van Carter (Cynthia Erivo), witnesses her boyfriend killing an employer, she is hidden in a convent – where she manages to transform a group of nuns into a family of swingin’ sisters.

The entire cast work flawlessly as a team, their voices uniting effortlessly and providing a perfect blend of both humour and harmony. Erivo brings her own interpretation to the role made famous by Goldberg in the 1992 movie and Patina Miller in the West End and currently on Broadway, blowing her congregation away with her staggering presence and musicality.

Meanwhile, Julie Atherton (Sister Mary Robert), Jacqueline Clarke (Sister Mary Lazarus) and Gavin Cornwall (Eddie Souther) add to the flawlessness of the production, with their impressive comedy timing and powerful delivery of songs.

Act One has the catchiest selection of numbers, “Fabulous Baby”, “It’s Good To Be A Nun” and “Raise Your Voice” leaving you tapping your feet and grinning with sheer delight – this is pure escapism. Group collaborations outshine solo performances – excluding the stunning delivery of title track by the lead diva Erivo – the magic of each and every one of the excellent ensemble displays camaraderie and brings an energy and an indescribable buzz of electricity into the auditorium.

It is refreshing to hear the band supporting its cast, rather than distracting attention away from them. Far too often, the orchestra’s sound drowns voices out, leaving you straining to hear the lyrics, but in this instance performers are given ample opportunity to flaunt their soulful talent.

Having now impressed the likes of Stephen Fry, the cast of Corrie cast and soap-star Will Mellor, this is an act that cannot, and should not, be missed.

Amen Sister!

– Rebecca Cohen