Once one society decides to produce a particular show, then seemingly every other one sooner or later will follow suit, and so I found myself this evening sitting in the new-to-me venue of Urmston Leisure Centre to watch my umpteenth production of 'Sister Act' this year! However, I DO understand why societies choose this show, it's appeal is apparent and has loads of stunning choral songs and routines, as well as many large and small cameos for the society membership to get their teeth into. It's a gutsy story with heart and of course, all those of a certain age remember with fondness the wonderful film which starred the incomparable Whoopi Goldberg.
Urmston Musical Theatre had found a talented team to realise this show. All deserve their appropriate credit, however three need a special mention I feel. First, an original set design by Alan Pickwick, which although had its teething problems this evening, was innovative and a long way away from the standard hire set which I have seen so many times before. Congratulations. Second some lovely musical direction from Ed Nurse. The band sounded extremely professional this evening and Nurse proved to be a most proficient and talented MD. And finally to James Goodwin, whose work on the chorus singing, especially the harmonies of the nuns' choruses did not go unnoticed, and I enjoyed listening to their cumulative harmonic sound.
An equally strong team of actors / actresses graced the stage too, all working very hard to bring about their interpretations of the now-famous characters. Sue Mallett headed this cast as Deloris, with bags of energy and confidence, she led the show with ease. Margaret Johnston's Mother Superior was given a more exasperation and despair here rather than acid-tongued disapproval, and this worked for her well. Adam Garnett was a plaintive and sincere Eddie, whilst Jon Gardner showed he had panache and style, with a nice singing voice for Curtis; he wasn't however 'mafia boss-like' enough for this reviewer to truly believe his evil. The singing and dancing antics of Pablo (Ash Mallen), Joey (Bradley Wigglesworth) and TJ (Jay Talbot), made us all laugh and had one of the loudest rounds of applause of the evening, whilst another crowd-pleaser was postulant Sister Mary Robert (Bronte Hooper) proving she had what it takes in her act two solo. ('The Life I Never Led')
A couple of things this evening which did not work quite so well, but it was opening night and so hopefully things will be a little smoother as the run progresses. The scene changes were rather time-consuming and sadly rather noisy too; whilst the sound levels had been set far too high at the start of this evening's show. Thankfully though the sound engineer must have realised and the volume came down after 'Fabulous Baby!' for the remainder of the show. A couple of costumes didn't really fit the era / character for me, especially those worn by Deloris (as Deloris), and the blue fur coat was nothing more than a piece of material sadly.
However, niggles aside, this is a fun, upbeat show, which the society put heart and soul into and reaped the benefits; so 'raise your voice', 'spread the love', and get that 'Sunday morning fever'!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 13.4.23
on - 13.4.23
How long did the show last?
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