Sister Act – Bord Gais Energy Theatre – Review
SISTER ACT – 13 – 24 February 2024

Sister Act – Tour Schedule & Cast Details are here.

This is the story of Deloris van Cartier (Landi Oshinowo), a nightclub singer who aims to reach the very top of her profession. She’s dating a married man called Curtis Jackson (Ian Gareth-Jones), who is the owner of the club she works at. Curtis is involved in various nefarious deeds, and when Deloris witnesses a murder she has to go on the run! She goes to the police for help who enter her into a quickly arranged witness protection programme. She goes to live in a convent run by its Mother Superior (Ruth Jones). Deloris finds life in the convent exceedingly dull until she discovers the choir…

This Musical is based on the much-loved film from 1992 starring Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris Van Cartier, a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The film went on to earn over US$200 million at the box office and spawned a sequel with another one on the way.

The Musical was first staged in 2006 and is a substantial reworking of the original film. The Book is written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner. It takes the skeleton of the original film and fills it out with gags and songs. The plot is quite minimal, just enough to keep the show on the road.

The music is by Alan Menken, who despite not being a household name has won 8 Oscars (Disney’s Aladdin and Enchanted) along with a solitary Tonys. For those watching such things, he officially became an EGOT in 2020. If you really want an EGOT, Musical Theatre is the best way to achieve your dreams! The songs are inspired by Motown, soul and disco, and there are some great tunes in there, with the larger ensemble pieces really bringing the production to life.

Landi Oshinowo plays out leading lady; Deloris Van Cartier. She is a regular on stage in the West End and has the perfect voice for the songs on display. Alfie Parker is highly impressive as Eddie Souther, the police detective who dreams of changing his humdrum life. The big name of the production is Ruth Jones (star of Gavin and Stacey) and while she excels in the moments of comedy, her voice is a little thin compared to the West End stars that surround her. She hits all the notes but lacks the power of some of her costars.

The production is at its best with the large ensemble pieces, with the nuns in full voice, singing and dancing on stage. The musical highlights include “I Could Be That Guy” and “Raise Your Voice”. The set changes are instantaneous and there are few lulls. It’s a punchy and fast-paced production and you’ll find your time in the theatre zipping past. The story is almost inconsequential to a production that focuses on humour and music.