Brace yourselves sisters, smash-hit musical Sister Act is finally in town and ready to warm everyone’s soul on chilly November nights in Aberdeen.
If you’ve been living in a nunnery and haven’t seen the 1992 film the show is based on, Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier whose life takes a surprising turn after she witnesses her gangster boyfriend commit a murder.
Placed under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent – where she is encouraged to reinvigorate the struggling choir.
In the 90s classic, the funny and loveable Deloris was famously played by Whoopi Goldberg. While Whoopi was set to reprise her role in the 2020 London theatre revival, it was Beverly Knight who eventually lent her powerful vocals to the role of Deloris due to Covid-19 and scheduling changes.
Taking over from Whoopi and Beverly for the 2022 UK tour was lesser known but just as fabulous Sandra Marvin who once again brought high-energy and show-stopping vocals to the HMT stage.
Returning to Aberdeen after starring in Waitress late last year, Sandra oozed charisma and particularly shone in her scenes with Mother Superior.
Great songs and glittering costumes
And after last night’s show, I believe there’s nun better to play the disapproving abbess than Lesley Joseph. Best known for playing Dorien Green in TV sitcom Birds of a Feather, the talented actor had impeccable comic timing.
But surprisingly, it was the supporting actors who stole the show and received the biggest roars of applause. Deloris’s gangster boyfriend Curtis (Jeremy Secomb) and his ridiculous entourage – Joey (Tom Hopcroft), Pablo (Damian Buhagiar) and TJ (Bradley Judge) – were only in a few scenes but they made for some of the most memorable moments of the night.
The trio had the audience in stitches as they showcased their horrendously hilarious wooing abilities when they performed Lady In The Long Black Dress. One could argue that their scenes weren’t necessarily needed to tell the story, but they were a fun and welcome addition to the feel-good musical.
Graham MacDuff also deserves a mention. Playing “Steady Eddie” – the cop and Deloris’s old high school friend who still has a crush on her – delivered one of the best solo performances of the night which included the most impressive costume change I’ve seen in a very long time.
Don’t miss joyous musical Sister Act in Aberdeen
The show’s original Motown-inspired music, which was composed by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, was fantastic. However, it would have been great to hear the cast belt out some of the songs from the much-loved film such as I Will Follow Him, and Shout.
When the 1992 film came out, its uplifting story won over the hearts of audiences everywhere. And I’m certain last night’s theatre fans fell in love with this gem of a show all over again.
Don’t miss Sister Act while it’s still at Aberdeen’s HMT until Saturday November 12. Tickets can be purchased here.
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