Sister Act

From the moment Deloris (Landi Oshinowo), the disco diva turned undercover nun, hits the stage, you know you're in for a habit-forming treat. Played with strength and soul, her journey is a riotous romp filled with nun-sense - with divine vocals raising the rafters for good measure. Oshinowo’s characterisation of Deloris is the strongest audiences have seen since Whoopi Goldberg in the original film. The ensemble cast fill the stage with energy in abundance and create a synergy that has been somewhat lacking in previous incarnations. Eloise Runnette’s professional debut as Sister Mary Robert is outstanding; her delivery of one of the show’s biggest numbers is completely flawless and throughout encapsulates the naivety of the character. The Manchester audience lapped up Corrie favourite, Sue Cleaver, as she assumes the mantle of Mother Superior, doing so with comedic ease. Isabel Canning’s Sister Mary Patrick took Kathy Najimy’s ray of pure sunshine to theatrical highs, a joy for fans of the beloved movie.

Alan Menken’s toe-tapping tunes (some edited and reimagined from their original counterparts) form a score that is a veritable feast for the ears. Whilst some fall a little flat on the vast Palace stage, from rousing gospel numbers to the disco-infused dance breaks, each song is a nun-derful reminder of the power of great musical theatre.