Sister Act

The Mart Theatre, Skipton

SISTER Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a cabaret singer who witnesses a murder and is subsequently placed in a convent for hiding to protect her from her pursuers.

During her time at the convent she helps out a little with the singing, much to the annoyance of the Mother Superior, but everything works out in the end. The culprits are caught and Deloris ends up leading the choir in front of his Holiness, the Pope.

This was a very funny musical with excellent toe tapping songs.

There were some very strong performances, most notably from Helen Procter as Deloris Van Cartier. She carried the show with ease right from her opening number 'Take Me to Heaven'.

Colm Ferry as Officer 'Sweaty' Eddie gave a commendable performance and the song 'I Could Be That Guy' was, for me, one of the highlights of the show.

Chrissee Platt as Sister Mary Lazarus treated us to her rapping skills, Lauren Patrick as Sister Mary Patrick was just right for the slightly “ditzy” part and Dawn Feather as Sister Mary Robert gave a most stunning and believable rendition of 'The Life I Never Led'.

Eileen Johnson gave a confident performance as the Mother Superior - trying to keep some order in the convent, and I particularly loved her interaction with 'the Lord'. Her performance of 'Here Within These Walls' was breathtaking.

The 'baddies', Curtis, Joey, Pablo and T.J. played by Dale Chadwick, Neil Hellewell, Phillip Smith and Dean Harness, gave so much more to the comedy and their outfits were spectacular - especially in their song and dance routines 'When I Find My Baby' and 'Lady in the Long Black Dress'.

Chris Birch as the gentle Monsignor O’Hara, along with all the other Sister Mary’s completed the cast.

There was great support from everyone involved, and some lovely characterisations throughout.

Special mention must go to MD David Weale and his excellent band who were unseen during the performance, but made a very joyful sound and helped to 'raise the voice' of not only the cast on stage, but also the audience who were singing along on their way out of the auditorium.

Sally Holmes