The King's Theatre, Glasgow
14 November 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen Sister Act before, but this new production of the much loved musical is bigger and brighter. The set is better, the costumes are sparklier, the lights are most definitely brighter and the cast - well, this cast are superb.
Based on the 1992 comedy film, Sister Act, what this musical does have is a good book (Hallelujah!). There is a clear story and defined characters.
We follow Deloris Van Cartier (Sandra Marvin), an exuberant Club singer, as she goes into hiding after she witnesses her gangster boyfriend commit murder. With the help of police officer 'Steady Eddie' and the Mother Superior of a local convent, Deloris ditches her night club attire and reluctantly becomes Sister Mary Clarence of St Katherine's.
Sandra Marvin is outstanding as Deloris. She is so likeable, powerful yet vulnerable. Her voice and comic timing are spot on. A truly brilliant performance.
Lesley Joseph is the perfect Mother Superior. I've been lucky enough to see Lesley perform in a few other shows (Young Frankenstein a firm favourite!) and she is a magnificent stage actor. She's a tiny little person who projects this loud clear voice to the whole auditorium. Is it weird to point that out? Well, not everyone can do that. Lesley is just fabulous from head to sparkly toe.
For opening night in Glasgow we had Emma Ralston as lovely postulant Sister Mary Robert. How gorgeous to witness a local lass absolutely smash it out the park. Mary Robert starts off meek, and then she grows in confidence (thanks to Deloris) and we get to witness the full power of her wonderful voice. Everyone around me was commenting on how great Emma was. Congratulations!
Lastly, I want to mention Graham MacDuff who played Steady Eddie Souther. Graham almost stole the show for me. I was not expecting to adore this character or this performance as much as I did. Every scene with Eddie was a great scene! Can he have a spin off show?? Loved him.
Sister Act as a musical isn't groundbreaking; there isn't anything here to rock your world. Some of the songs are a little forgettable, but every single one of them is brilliantly performed. The cast could not be better; and the production is slick, well managed and funny.
I had a really enjoyable night at the theatre. Not every show needs to be challenging or revolutionary. Sometimes it's nice just to be entertained. And that I was.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
[Review first posted on Instagram 16 November 2022]
Review: Sister Act UK Tour (Glasgow 2022. Lesley Joseph, Sandra Marvin)
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