Iconic 1992 movie Sister Act saw Whoopi Goldberg give one of her most memorable performances as lead character Deloris Van Cartier. 

The film was adapted into a hit West End musical in 2009 and continues to enjoy tremendous success. Set in 1970s’ Philadelphia - as opposed to the film’s 1990s’ San Francisco - its songs are inspired by Motown, soul and disco.

Disco diva Deloris, holed up for her own protection in a convent after witnessing a murder, is assigned the task of running the convent choir. Under the suspicious eye of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices whilst also unexpectedly discovering her own!

Bright, vibrant, upbeat and laugh-out-loud hilarious, Sister Act celebrates the power of sisterhood and song. Deloris is played by Sandra Marvin, whose strong and powerful voice threatens to raise the Hippodrome’s roof. 

The extended sequence in the first act, where Deloris teaches the nuns to find their shared harmonious voice whilst singing Take Me To Heaven, is far-fetched but joyful in the extreme, as the nuns transform from a dull and dreary choir into a bold and brazen collective.

Lesley Joseph plays the beleaguered Mother Superior with perfect comic timing and has many fabulously funny lines. One of my favourites was when she was singing I Haven’t Got A Prayer, complaining to God what a bad influence Deloris is on the rest of the sisters, who, she laments, have become “celibate nuns shaking their buns!” 

Police officer Eddie Souther - played by Clive Rowe - packs some real vocal power and delights the audience with rapid-fire costume changes whilst singing I Could Be That Guy. His performance is further enhanced by one of many dazzling dance numbers involving the ensemble, who are dressed as American police officers wearing sparkly silver bike helmets to complement Eddie’s Elvis-inspired jumpsuit.

Lizzie Bea is delightful as young postulant nun Sister Mary Robert. Her extremely moving solo song, The Life I Never Led, is an exploration of her feelings about missing out on the world beyond the convent, having never even had a chance to experience it.

The whole of the cast are great, the dialogue fast and witty, the choreography flirty and fun, the costumes reflective of the best - or possibly worst - of 1970s’ fashion (including some amazing platform boots that defy gravity!). The sparkling psychedelic nuns’ habits which make an appearance as the show reaches its conclusion are an absolute sight to behold! 

Sister Act is a splendidly feelgood, thoroughly uplifting and magnificently entertaining night at the theatre! 

The show runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 15 October. 

Five Stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull