Review: SISTER ACT, Belgrade Theatre Coventry - Tour
Photo credit: Mark Senior
The year is 2023 and the Covid-19 pandemic has become something we now live with after nearly two years of global “lockdowns” affecting many industries, but one that arguably was most affected was the world of live entertainment. Both the national tour and West End return of Sister Act the Musical were shut down before its prime. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely.
The vocally outstanding Landi Oshinowo grabs the meaty role of Deloris Van Cartier by the horns leading a stellar cast in the reimagining of Sister Act the Musical. Thankfully director Bill Buckhurst moved away actor-muso approach of predecessor Craig Revel Horwood’s 2016/17 tour, allowing the performers’ vocal ability to shine with spine tingling arrangements from Stephen Brooker and three-time Tony Award winner Doug Besterman, adding even more disco seduction to an already outstanding score by Alan Menken.
Sister Act the Musical is based on the 1992 blockbuster of the same name. Lounge Singer Deloris Van Cartier is hidden in a failing covent whilst she awaits a court date to testify against her already married lover Curtis Jackson (Ian Garreth Jones) whom she witnessed murder one of his many henchmen. Deloris fails to “blend” with the nun’s way of life, much to the annoyance of Mother Superior (Lori Haley Fox [in Coventry]). When all actions fail to encourage Deloris to fall in line, her activities are reduced to just one, to participate with the choir. As Deloris transforms the choir from tone deaf individuals to a team of vocally outstanding performers, in turn the nuns teach her about real love, community and friendship.
Sister Act is a story of transformation. The church is saved, Deloris finds her true self, the sisters are brought into the latest century and Mother Superior is softened, awakened to the changing times and evolution of the world outside of the convent walls.
It is not easy to extract stand out performances as this is such a strong ensemble piece. Special credit to Alistair David whose choreography is impactful but also allows the clear characters of each individual nun to shine through. The ensemble characters are well developed, filled with nuance, humour and likability.
There are two people of note on stage of whom deserve recognition. Landi Oshinowo as Deloris is filled with charisma, too easily the audience adjust to her vocalisations as she delivers power song after power song with the vocal gymnastics of an Olympian. Alfie Parker delivers an unexpected and remarkable delivery of the character, Eddie Souther. The lovable “Steady” Eddie is buttery and sweet like Werther’s Original receiving a worthy applause after his number, ‘I Could Be That Guy’.
The expert casting by Stuart Burt CDG separates this rendition of Sister Act the Musical from any of its previous incarnations. The whole production team deserves credit for bringing a considerate breath of fresh air to the production. For those who have seen it before and those who have yet to have the pleasure, we strongly encourage you to see Sister Act the Musical when it comes to a theatre near you.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden
Sister Act the Musical plays at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until 14 October and continues its tour until October 2024. To book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.