Curtain Call Creative. You smashed it.
WOW! What a show. The whole cast brought the theatre alive. I was captivated by the incredible talent on stage.
Melinda Lylia was superb as Doloris Van Cartier, a wanna be famous singer, singing in a disco. Melinda’s rendition of ‘ Take me to Heaven’ and ‘Fabulous Baby ‘ with Lottie Paine and Ashleigh Hunt-Davis as her backing singers Tina and Michelle was faultless. Their harmonies and dancing reminded me of The Three Degrees in the 60s.
Nick Williams as Curtis, Doloris’ gangster boyfriend, gave a strong performance with powerful singing and great acting.
Henry Walker, Simon Aspsey and Nathan Stubbings brought much laughter as gang members TJ, Joey and Pablo. Their attempts at being tough guys was hilarious, no more so than when they mistook a trans person (Jake Eastman) for Doloris. These three obviously relished their roles which also gave us a chance to hear their fabulous singing.
Without giving to much of the story away, Doloris witnessed Curtis murdering someone. Which sent her to the police. Eddie – a local cop known as Sweaty Eddie to local gangsters – placed Doloris in convent for her protection. Eddie was brilliantly played by multi talented Jacob Bailey. He had me rooting for him when he sang ‘I could be that guy’. Making me hope he got his wish.
Meanwhile back at the convent, Mother Superior wasn’t amused by the presence of Doloris, however Monsignor O’Hara; who sometimes enjoyed a tipple persuaded Mother Suoerior to agree. Olivia Pike was outstanding in her role. Her rendition of ‘Here within these walls’ left me quite moved.
William Nixon another exceptionally versatile performer was brilliant as Monsignor O’Hara’. Other praise worthy performances came from: Ava Cowan as the young naive Sister Mary Robert, Sarah Palette as Sister Mary Lazarus, Pat Ayles as Sister Mary Theresa, Rebecca Finch as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours; Holly Gardiner shone as Sister Mary Patrick, what a star this young lady is.
Ben Spurling as Ernie and John Woodford as the taxi driver gave good performances also doubling up as choristers.
The transition from off key singing Nuns to the final harmonious choir was breath taking.
The ensemble in Sister Act were tremendous. Their dancing and movements choreographed by the talented Isabella Isaacs was simply stunning. Their singing and vitality cemented this production under the direction of Tony Wright and musical director Andrew Woodford.
The ensemble comprised of: Sarah Squibb, Lottie Paine, Macie Edkins-Wherry, Maddie Cox, Annabel Smith, Ellie Walker, Kate Chandler, Ashleigh Hunt-Davis, Esme Barclay-Jay, Jake Eastman and Sam Evans-Murray.
This has been the best production I have seen for years. Equal to any West End show. Huge congratulations to all including The Orchestra. Stage crew. Seventh Wave Radio, Graham Broadbent for lighting. I loved the use of projection graphics by Abigail Hennings.
This is a show not to be missed.
