AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Sister Act - The Academy Theatre, Co-op Academy, Blackley. Manchester.

The Co-op Academy, a senior high school tucked away inconspicuously amongst the urban sprawl of Blackley, Higher Blackley and Crumpsall, is a real jewel, theatrically speaking. The school boasts a wonderful theatre (available for outside hire) which has professional standard lighting etc. The school also has a proven track record of quality theatre and music training, and this annual theatrical event, giving the young teenagers a chance to strut their stuff, is both a popular and meritorious part of the school's theatrical (and musical) calendar.

This time round they presented the ever-popular show, 'Sister Act'. This musical, based on the now iconic film starring the inimitable Whoopi Goldberg, with music by one of America's greatest tunesmiths, Alan Menken, tells the story of a certain Delores Van Cartier, lounge singer and moll to a local gangster boss, who finds herself on the run from him after she witnesses him commit murder. Seeking police protection, she is 'hidden' in a local convent, and is given the task of improving the quality of the nuns' choir. The rest, as thy say, is history...!

This is a school production, and so, of course, all the cast - as well as the band at the front of the stage - are all young students there, and it was, as always, heartwarming and thrilling to see so many young people giving so much to create their characters, the story, and entertain their peers and families. Absolutely everyone needs to give themselves a huge pat on their respective backs for that! However, the praise simply doesn't stop there; as once again, the school has provided these students with a professional set and wonderful costumes as their playground, and every one of them strives for excellence. They are al enjoying themselves, and creating interesting characters whom we can follow on their journeys. 

Heading the strong cast, and taking on a rather challenging role, was Safi Frimpong as Delores. This was the first night and as such, nerves were in evidence at the beginning quite naturally; but her character and confidence grew the further into the show she got. Delores's boyfriend-with-a-gun and head honcho of a posse of misfit hoodlums, Curtis, was played with earnestness and power this evening by Lucasz Brzezinski. The comedy antics of his 4 hangers-on bringing a lovely opposing dynamic to the cruelty and reality of the situation. 

Eddie, the police officer who protects Dolores until her trial, was played this evening by Gabriela Taiwo, whilst the Mother Superior of the convent where Dolores was placed, was played by Maja Fraczek. Both Taiwo and Fraczek bringing much to their respective roles, creating believable, flawed and interesting characters. Sister Mary Robert, the postulant who idolises Dolores was Gift Pius Odibo, whose solo song was excellently measured; whilst the other characterful nuns were each given their own distinct mannerisms and all worked well together. The journey from singing appallingly to their grand finale was crafted with skill.

The whole cast numbered 40, and so apologies if I have not mentioned everyone involved!

There were some things this evening which didn't work perhaps as well as they could have done; but all these are technical issues, and so can hopefully be easily rectified. Microphones were crackling, voices were being heard from only one side speaker or not at all, the gun noises not the correct sound and too loud, and some of the transitions between the scenes could have been a little tighter. The band was at times a little too loud, overpowering the singing, whilst the sound levels amongst the band themselves was not quite in balance either, as the drummer, despite his obvious talent and proficiency, was the overriding sound coming from the pit when he played with sticks. When he played with brushes, the sound levels were fine.

On stage, there were a couple of occasions when the cast lost their place or missed a cue; however, I mention this only as praise. They were completely professional and 'played it col', simply waiting and picking the dialogue back up again from where they knew and continued as if nothing had happened. Absolutely the correct thing to do, and kudos to them for so doing.  

All-in-all, the Co-op Academy have done themselves proud again, and produced a quality production, showcasing the talent, commitment, energy, and desire to succeed from a whole team of both students and staff. My congratulations to you all. 

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.2.23