"Sister Act - The Musical"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

There are some musicals that you know that you're going to have trouble reviewing..... and then there's "Sister Act".

Deloris Van Cartier, a club singer and disco diva, inadvertently witness a murder ordered by her then boyfriend Curtis Jackson. For her protection she is hidden in a nunnery, and for her penance finds that she has to help with the nun's choir. This becomes her saviour!

Deloris is played by Sandra Marvin who is an absolute powerhouse vocal machine, equalled by her comedic talents. From her first appearance on the Theatre Royal stage, you know that you're in for one Almighty ride. Even after all the "Sister Act" shows I've seen, Sandra seems to bring a fresh new Deloris to the stage.

Lesley Joseph plays Mother Superior. Now, some people may not realise what a good singer Lesley is. I do as I've seen her on stage several times before. She can sing, act and be funny all at the same time. There's a scene in Act Two when she is sitting at her desk, talking to the Big Man upstairs, where there is an added comic bit which attracted waves of laughter from the audience. I won't spoil it by telling you what it is though.

Sister Mary Robert, the timid young nun, is played by Lizzie Bea. Lizzie gave me the first of several "tingles" in this show when we first heard the full release of that wonderfully powerful voice that she has. Her version of the reflective "The Life I Never Led" is simply beautiful, showing the big vocal range she has. And that final note of "The Life I Never Les" was stunning.

So to the other nuns. Catherine Millsom (Sister Mary Patrick), Anne Smith (Sister Mary Lazarus), Tricia Deighton (Sister Mary Theresa), Lori Hayley Fox (Sister Mary Martin of Tours), Larissa Alexandrovnia, Emma Ralston and Nottingham's very own Chloe Hopcroft complete the superfluity of nuns.

Monsignor O Hara, the Bishop who will do anything to raise funds to save the convent is played by Graham MacDuff. A brilliant comedy character whose robes get ever the more gaudier as the musical continues. Love those shades!

"Sweaty" or "Steady" as the character is now dubbed, Eddie Souther is played by Clive Rowe. Here is an actor who also gave me tingles with that voice of his. Imagine a cross between Lou Rawls and Billy Eckstine and you're somewhere in the ballpark area of this rich vocal sound. His scene stealing "Be That Man" was sensational.

Curtis, Deloris' bad guy is played by Mark Goldthorp. Once again, an incredibly strong tenor, and you could tell that he had done his job well as he received "boos" at his curtain call, acknowledging his baddie status.

There are two local actors in "Sister Act", the first as previously mentioned was Chloe Hopcroft. The second being Tom Hopcroft (Joey). Along with Bradley Judge (TJ) and Damian Buhagiar (Pablo), Tom play Curtis' cohorts who get to perform the wonderful "Lady In The Long Black Dress".

I've known Chloe and Tom for years and it gives you a nice warm feeling inside to see local talent on stage with a stellar cast such as this. I think I can claim bragging rights.

Castell Parker (Clemont) plays the man who falls short of Curtis, well according to Curtis anyway, and is dispensed early on.

Xenoa Campbell Ledgister plays Tina and Gabrielle Davina Smith plays Michelle, Deloris' backing singers. Great voices as well.

Morgan Large's Set and Costume Design are wonderful, especially the costumes. I've never seen so many shiny habits being reflected on one stage.

The Musical Director is Neil MacDonald. Loud and proud and heavenly. He certainly got my toes a tapping.

With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, this musical has one of my favourite soundtracks. The massive "Sunday Morning Fever", "Take Me To Heaven" and "Raise Your Voice" will have your gospel/disco feet tapping long after the show is over. the retro sounding "Fabulous Baby", "When I Find My Baby" and the wonderfully comic "Lady In The Long Black Dress" which will bring to mind the style of 70's male groups like The Floaters and their Number One song "Float On". Mix these in with the atypical musical theatre ballads like "The Life I Never Led" and "Here, Within These Walls", you have one heavenly soundtrack.

Choreographed by Alistair David.

Directed by Bill Buckhurst, this was pacy with a stage crew that shifted props and scenery at the speed of light. As one scene was spirited away, the next section was already there.

Tim Mitchell's Lighting Design and Tom Marshall's Sound Design worked in perfect harmony with each other, creating a show visually and aurally in tune with the other.

You'd think that having seen "Sister Act The Musical" so many times, it would become a bit passe for me. But NO, I love the positive message of accepting the way another person lives, the friendship, however unlikely it may be, and the idea of working together will get a result that will please all sends out. That and the wonderful comedy and the gorgeous soundtrack all goes to make one hell of a riotous night out.

This divine show is one certainly NOT TO BE MISSED this week.

"Sister Act" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 13 May.