Last night me and the boyfriend went to see Sister Act on
tour at the Norwich Theatre Royal – it was Fabulous Baby! We were up in the
circle again which Ben likes and were very excited to see Alexandra Burke in
this touring production of the musical comedy. I first saw the show in Leeds in
August last year where I fell in love with the original soundtrack – see below.
So when I saw it was turning up in Norwich I was super excited. For those of
you that do not know the story of sister Act – how? I will tell you. Based on
the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith; it tells the tale of
Delores Van Cartier who witnesses her gangster of a boyfriend murder one of his
cronies. After this she is transported into police safety to ensure she doesn’t
end up dead too. Where best to hide a diva of a club singer than a convent.
Transformed to Mary Clarance she learns new things about herself and helps the
nuns and the Mother Superior learn a few things too. Chuck in some fabulous
original songs and you have a hit musical on your hands. Be aware it is not an
exact replica of the film so do not go expecting that and it is a completely original
soundtrack and no song from the film features in the musical. Despite multiple Olivier and Tony nominations
Sister at failed to win any awards which is absolutely devastating.
This production stars Alexandra Burke who I also saw in Leeds
playing this role. I have fallen in love with Burke since she has turned her
talents to musical theatre (as well as yoghurts haha!). I first saw her in The
Bodyguard last year in Norwich where she was amazing. When Burke is on the
stage I cannot look at anyone else. She absolutely owns that stage and shines
through anything else that is present. Her singing voice is powerful and
beautiful, she is funny yet sincere and she absolutely loves every minute she
is on that stage and appreciates each and every applause cascaded to her. I cannot
wait to keep my eye on Alexandra and she which show she sets to steal next. Some
of the cast are the same and some have changed since Leeds. One member of the
cast who has remained the same since Leeds is Sandy Grigelis as TJ who is very
funny and captures your eye as you’re watching; even when in a habit. Sarah
Goggin has joined the cast as Sister Mary Robert the quiet and shy postulant who
is given a new lease of life by Delores; she has one of the great musical songs
in this show and she does it so much justice. Aaron Lee Lambert has remained as
the mean Curtis and Joe Vetch has joined the cast to play cop Eddie. Karen Mann
plays the Mother Superior and Susannah van den Berg has remained as crazy Mary
Patrick and the rapping Mary Lazarus is played by Liz Kitchen. They are a fabulous
and wonderful cast yet some of the company songs sounded a little screechy last
night which was disappointing.
Strictly Come Dancing’s own Craig Revel Horwood directs and choreographs
Sister Act and he has done a fabulous job. Although sometimes cheesy and a bit
like you are at the wedding party the dance moves are catchy and I have to say
I tried to replicate the curtain call dance to Take me to heaven and I am sure
Alexandra Burke caught my eye and had a chuckle to herself. The band are on the
stage as well as off the stage organised by musical director, Greg Arrowsmith.
I love a musical instrument on stage but it has to be there for a reason and I remember
in Leeds thinking why is this happening??? I still feel like this and I don’t think
it adds much to the production, I would not miss them I do not think if they
were not holding instruments. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn
Slater the original soundtrack is addicted and we were both singing it until
this morning and I had it in the car for work today. One song has changed since
the London production – it’s good to be a nun has replaced how I got the
calling and I have to say I prefer the original song. The classics will stick
in your mind forever and I remember the next day after seeing Sister Act for
the first time downloading the original soundtrack and have not stopped listening
to it since.
Matthew Wright designs the set and costumes which are ok. The
majority of the cast wear habits so that’s fine. I have to say the glitzy
habits at the curtain call are my favourite and Burke’s white sparkly outfit at
the end is gorgeous. Also the males in their pink sparkles caught my eye too. The
set is based in the church and it works really well and the other various
scenes are transformed by basic props. Richard G Jones takes on the lighting
design which was good but nothing sticks in my mind today. The finale is
brilliant and the stage does almost transform and the glitter explosion at the
end will make you jump, so gutted I was not covered in glitter haha!
Sister Act is in Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 6th May. I
would urge people to go and see this musical whether you are an avid musical
theatre fan like me, like the film sister act or just want to have a good night
out this week. It is a musical comedy and the score is extremely catchy. It
will also make you laugh and strong emotions evoked during act 2. There are
nightly shows at 7:30 with matiness tomorrow (Wednesday 3rd) and
Saturday. All shows have limited tickets but the important things is there are
some available so you should definitely try and get your hands on some. I am
really trying hard not to go and buy a habit and have a little show myself in
the lounge with the curtains closed. Please get in touch to let me know what
you think of this show and your favourite songs on Twitter @AaronBurgess89.
Until next time which I think will be Million Dollar Quartet keep safe.
