SISTER ACT
Saffron Walden Town Hall
8th - 11th March 2023
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.
Scroll down for production photos and NODA report
Photos Credit: Andy Watkins
Noda rEPORT
Author: Decia Ranger
When it comes to uplifting shows Sister Act is surely way up there with the best. The story of the would-be night club singer who witnesses a murder and is given police protection in a convent, has definitely established itself as a favourite of amateur societies.
The open stage enabled us to get a good look at the set before ‘curtain up’. Designed and built in house, the stage was dominated by the outside of a church with double doors and lovely stained glass windows. This was of course the Queen of Angels Convent and throughout the show we were to witness the versatility of this set. Stage props were deftly brought on and off through the doors and tabs were cleverly used to enable the outside to become the inside. The cast lent a hand in moving large props and this worked really well. I liked that stage hands, when required, moved slowly and positively, avoiding the rushing around so often witnessed between scenes.
The society had put together a terrific cast. Gemma Alexander gave an absolutely brilliant performance as Deloris Van Cartier, her strong singing voice producing some great vocals. She was well supported in the night club scenes by her backing singers, Michelle played by Imogen Jean Routledge and Tina played by Charlotte Tarran.
Sara Shaw is a classical soprano and I therefore admire the fact that she retrained her voice (albeit temporarily) to take on the role of Mother Superior. A lovely performance with beautiful solos as well as some great one-liners.
The principal nuns had all developed their own personality. The excitable Sister Mary Patrick was well played by Erica Redfern and Bernadette Wilfred managed to keep a deadpan expression as required of Sister Mary Lazarus. Then there was Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, in a world of her own and well captured by Rachel Glibbery. Well done also to Mary Balarkas as Sister Mary Theresa and Rose Smithet as Postulant Sister Mary Robert. The chorus of nuns produced some great vocals and lovely harmonies.
A strong performance by Daniel Abbott as gangster Curtis, supported by his not so bright sidekicks, TJ, Joey and Pablo, well played by Will Taylor, Graham Tarran and Deejay Latchuman. Their song ‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’ is a terrific opportunity for these characters to really express themselves in the most hilarious way and that’s exactly what they did, keeping the audience in fits of laughter throughout.
Eddie was well played by Adam Bonner and the transformation scene, during his solo, was deservedly met with gasps of amazement from the audience. Jason Austin-Guest made a great Monsignor O’Hara bringing some lovely humerous touches to the role.
Costumes were of a high standard and I loved that the nun’s habits were gradually lifted from the ordinary to include some sparkle and colour. Congratulations to Rachel Betts, in charge of Wardrobe
Sound and lighting were excellent with some lovely special effects. “Neon” signage on the proscenium was used to good effect.
This was a very well directed and choreographed production with Paul Garner and his orchestra providing excellent accompaniment. My thanks to Director David James for sparing me time after the show to offer my congratulations.
I admit to being captivated from start to finish by this production and judging by the thunderous applause at the end, I wasn’t the only one. In the words of Deloris – Fabulous, Baby!
Thank you to the society for inviting me and to President Maureen Gypps for looking after us during the evening.