AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Sister Act - The Pendle Hippodrome, Colne.

Yet another new venue for us, and this reviewer, but Lancashire's Pendle Hippodrome Theatre in Colne plays host to the epic and iconic musical 'Sister Act' this week and Oh god, it's Fabulous, Baby!

Presented by Basics Junior Theatre School, under the direction of Philip J. Hindle - who returns after his debut with the school last year for their production of  'The King And I' - and principalship of Andy Cooke, it is, as always, a delight to witness the immense talents making their names in the foundations of the industry.

I am impressed, upon reading the programme, to see that some members of the cast have been with the group for a whole decade, having perfected their art before transitioning into drama schools and musical theatre courses at local colleges. With an impressive 14-piece orchestra, under the direction of Andrew Mitchell, the show started on a high from the off and held its energy throughout. I took close to no notes, other than positive words and phrases and the negative comment I noted down was the balance between the orchestra and singers could have been better as a few of the lyrics were lost and with such clever comedy intertwined into the whole show, it was sad for a few (and I mean only a few) to be missed by the audience. I know the show well and sang along to almost every song. It's hard not to nod or tap your foot along to the rhythmic feast that is this score, which features so many upbeast numbers (highlights: Raise Yout Voice, Spread The Love Around, Sunday Morning Fever and Bless Our Show), as well as some heartfelt ballads (Here Within These Walls, I Could Be That Guy, I Haven't Got A Prayer, The Life I Never Had and Sister Act), every one pefectly delivered, as was the execution of Helen Cheung's choreography (assisted by Lydia Cooke, and I believe Gracie Root who plays Tina, among other roles, stepped up as Dance Captain).

The story follows in the footsteps of the highly successful films starring Whoopie Goldberg, in which caberet singer Deloris Van Cartier (yes, you've guessed it, after Cartier's) is forced to seek refuge in a Convent - of The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith - and disguise herself as a nun, following their routine and restricted lifestyle. This salvation is facilitated by police officer Eddie Souther after Deloris witnesses her gangster and club owner boyfriend Curtis Jackson (Owen Bradley) shoot one of his clan after he hears about a report about him to the police. Deloris runs to the police station to file a report and Eddie arranged for her to be hidden, through Monsignor O'Hara (Luke Esden) who instructs the Mother Superior to take her under the nuns' wing.

Along the way we come across a multitude of personalities, from the bubbly Sister Mary Patrick, the elder yet funky, endearing and highly-entertaining Sister Mary Lazarus (Evie Musso) and postulent Sister Mary Robert, whom despite appearing shy, has a soulful spirit locked inside. The same can be said for pretty much all of the nuns as they "do their thang". Sisters Mary Theresa (Caelyn Bell), Mary Irene (Kate Hollingsworth), Martin of Tours (Amelia Lancaster) and Mary Celeste (Ava-Grayce Gregson) complete the main named superfluity, with Sisters Mary Jude (Hannah Reid), Mary Philip (Jolie Forrest), Mary Andrew (Danni-Mai Brown), Mary James (Kayley Corrigan), Mary Stephen (Darcie Brown), Mary Simon (Millie Holmes), Mary John (Gabriella Duffy) and Mary Thomas (Suki Holt) providing supporting roles, with their actors portraying other roles too.

During her time there, due to the need for her to learn restraint, she is missioned with sorting out the initially dire sounds of the choir and she does so to great effect, leading two businessmen who seek to purchase the convent plunging the money into the success ot the highly-acclaimed and well-publicised concert-style services, attracting non other than His Holyness The Pope! Deloris is recognised by Curtis, during a TV appearance and an amusing chase ensues before the nuns stand together in solidarity with their 'sister' after she returns following a realisation that she's where she should be - by their side(s).

The whole show is brilliant, matched by the talents of those performing it. I felt a huge sense of pride to be invited along and enjoy the sheer spectacle that was produced. It got a well-deserved standing ovation.

Tilly Clapham's Deloris was great but I felt that perhaps she could have had a little more confidence at the beginning - maybe I was distracted by the strange wig?! - but I warmed to her, and her talent and hard work in the role was always evident. Standout and, dare I say best performances (certainly my personal favourites) were Avalon Keenen (not a name I'll forget in a hurry) as Sister Mary Robert whose vocal ability is most admirable and Trixie Higginson as the lively Sister Mary Patrick, topped only by the incredible Gracie Gilbert as the iconic Mother Superior. 

Harris Rafferty's portrayal of police officer Eddie and musicality is brilliant (with his mini colleague - the world's shortest policeman, played by Hughie Higginson) and Owen Bradley's Curtis which is also well done, with a nice singing voice too, alongside his side-men Pablo (Felix Snowden), Joey (Luke Holmes) and nephew TJ (Oscar Williams), all of whom also have great voices and move well. The aforementioned one who was shot is Ernie (Luca Ratcliffe). I mentioned Gracie Boot as Dance Captain and Tina (Deloris' friend and trio singer) but I can't leave out the third of the trio, Michelle played by Charlotte Saunders - the three open the show, with the absence of an overture.

With the help of many behind the scenes, supported by the extremely welcoming and hospitable team at the theatre, this show is well worth seeing and I look forward to returning, as well as seeing another Basics show, soon. It really is no surprise that these young talents are progressing to great things in the world of theatre and I look forward to seeing where they go.

Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 13.10.11