Review: SISTER ACT, Dominion Theatre - June 2024
Photo credit: Johan Persson
In 1992, Whoopi Goldberg introduced the world to up and coming singer Deloris van Cartier in the film, Sister Act. The movie was a box office success and Goldberg herself was involved in producing the musical, which premiered in California in 2006. Since then, it has entertained audiences on both sides of the pond.
This current production boasts a stellar cast with Alexandra Burke as Deloris van Cartier, who is hidden in the Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow convent by an unwilling Mother Superior, played by Ruth Jones. Deloris needs to hide from a dangerous boyfriend, and Mother Superior needs the cash offered by the police in exchange for hiding her. A match made in heaven, surely?
Sadly not! Personality and lifestyle clashes abound between the two strong minded and strong willed women, and Mother Superior decides that the only suitable task for Deloris is to lead the (terrible) convent choir. Burke’s exceptional vocal talent doesn’t falter throughout the whole performance, and her considered portrayal of Deloris is engaging, drawing the audience to care about this flighty and often-flawed diva.
The exceptional cast also features West End legend Lee Mead who gives a high energy performance as Eddie, a cop with a crush on Deloris and some very flashy costumes. His number ‘I Could Be That Guy’ manages to be both heartfelt and hilarious.
Lesley Joseph irresistibly draws focus in every scene she appears in, giving a hilarious performance as Sister Mary Lazarus. A veteran performer who excels in her craft, Joseph proves that a supporting role can leave just as much of an impression as a lead.
Lizzie Bea as Sister Mary Robert steals the second act with a mesmerising rendition of ‘The Life I Never Led’, a powerful song about the constraints of growing up in a nunnery, and full of dreams and ambition. The poignancy of the sentiment is further enforced when Mary Robert stands up to Mother Superior later in the story, and supported by her other Sisters.
The performance features the high production values to be expected from a West End musical. Lighting design by Tim Mitchell is bright, colourful and well timed to the musical numbers, and the flys are used to comical effect to hoist one of the nuns into the air whilst ringing the bells. Morgan Large has created an effective set of large circles which frame the stage, reminiscent of church arches and of great performance spaces such as the Hollywood Bowl.
Unfortunately on Gala Night, there was a show stop just as the finale started, when the golf buggy carrying the pope broke down on stage. We could almost hear the prayers of the nuns to get it moving, but to no avail! Luckily, the professionalism of the production team and the energy of the cast meant that the stop was a mere blip, and a reminder that anything can happen in live theatre - and isn’t that part of what makes it so magical?
Sister Act is a little bit glamorous, a little bit garish and a little bit girl power. It’s a delightful combination which makes for a fabulous (baby) production.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
Sister Act plays at London’s Dominion Theatre until 31 August, with tickets available here.
