The stage of the Regent Theatre became the winter of 1977/1978 in Philadelphia and played host to the stage version of one of the most loved films of 1992 starring Whoopie Goldberg.
Now in its 14th year, following its West End debut in 2009, the musical, based on the film tells the tale of Deloris Van Cartier. Struggling with both her professional career as a cabaret singer and with her love-life as the mistress of local gangster Curtis Shank, Deloris witnesses him murder an informant and she is taken under the protective wing of police desk Chief Eddie. Eddie decides she needs to go into witness protection and picks the place least likely she will be discovered, a local convent, where she puts her musical talent to good use with the nuns’ choir transforming them, much to the chagrin of the Mother Superior.
Lesley Joseph plays the Mother Superior, bringing her exceptional experience to the role as the exhausted, exasperated and surly head of the convent. Lesley really makes the role her own and also brings much humanity with her rendition of ‘Here Within These Walls’ and ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer’ as well as humorous moments to the performance.
Landi Oshinowo wows as Deloris Van Cartier. Her vocals were stunning, the energy levels fantastic and gave a really commanding performance.
The nuns in Deloris’ choir were true to the film, each one representing a cross-section of shy, quirky, exuberant and sassy. The mix was great and the performances immense. Special shout-outs to Lizzie Bea as ‘Sister Mary Robert’ with a powerhouse vocal on ‘The Life I Never Led’ and Lori Haley Fox as ‘Sister Mary Martin’ for a fantasic rap!
Alfie Parker was ‘Steady Eddie’ with a brilliant performance on a huge number in the show ‘I Could Be That Guy’. Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis similarly knocked his ‘When I Find My Baby’ out of the park with a very funny performance backed by his gang (Bradley Judge, Damian Buhagiar and Callum Martin), who themselves countered with an equally humorous ‘Lady In The Long Black Dress’.
The set was simple but very effective, the sides brought in to create a circular feel and a backdrop of a gothic stained glass window. There was also subtle but innovative (and amusing) use of the set at times (an altar with a crucifix was transformed to the top of a bar with beer pump), it all flowed really well.
What can I say about the soundtrack that I haven’t above. It is definitely in the top 10 of my favourite musical soundtracks and absolutely one I own. Its so varied and soulful, lends to actors being able to really stamp their mark on the numbers on stage. Expect ear-worms for days and catch yourself humming a bar or two when you least expect it.
What this show does, it does just brilliantly. It’s a wonderful mix of joy and humour with a belting soundtrack. You need to see this!
It’s on until 30th with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are available from here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sister-act/regent-theatre/
Photos by Mark Senior
