Sister Act the Musical (UK Tour): Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
12th June 2023
After its spectacular revival in London last year, Sister Act the Musical is back and touring the country in this celebration of the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music. Sister Act follows Deloris as she seeks protective custody after witnessing a murder – by becoming a nun! Disguised and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her new sisters find their voices.
Sister Act is bright, colourful and upbeat. The perfect show to cure the blues. Fans of the original London production will be pleased to see that much of the original fun, lively music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken remains the same.
Lesley Joseph is excellent as Mother Superior, having played Sister Mary Lazarus in London last year. Her comedic timing is fantastic and her vocals and acting during ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer‘ she proves that she is more than just a comedian. She commands the stage with her comic timing and wit. Happy-go-lucky Sister Mary Patrick is played brilliantly by Catherine Millsom. Lizzie Bea’s rendition of ‘The Life I’ve Never Led‘ and the reprise certainly wows audiences and shows off the characters true vulnerability and commitment to her sisters. Alfie Parker’s take on Eddie Souther is another stand out performance. Of course, Sister Act is nothing without Deloris Van Cartier and Sandra Marvin holds nothing back in this outstanding performance. Full of sass and attitude she manages to show the audience Deloris’ caring nature amongst her hilarious one-liners. Marvin is always in character and fully embodies Deloris at all times onstage. Her powerhouse, strong vocals are superb, particularly in ‘Fabulous, Baby!‘ and ‘Raise Your Voice‘.
The set, designed by Morgan Large, is bright, colourful and works well given the space onstage. The set pieces are cleverly used to add to the production and create some memorable moments onstage. Tim Mitchell’s lighting is vivid and colourful. The lit backdrops work brilliantly to create the convent’s stained glass windows and create the glitz and glamour Deloris dreams of. Alistair David’s choreography is inspired by 1970’s Motown, soul and disco, and is performed effectively throughout the show. Sister Act is not a dance heavy show but the dance sequences which are included fit in completely and add to the performance.
Sister Act the Musical remains true to the much loved Whoopi Goldberg film and encourages everyone to Raise Your Voice in this story of friendship. Hilarious, moving and most of all fun; Sister Act is a great way to spend an evening this summer so make sure you head down to this uplifting production.
Sister Act The Musical is playing at the Marlowe Theatre until the 17th June 2023 before continuing on the UK tour. For information and tickets click here.
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
Musical Manda 
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