Arcadians MTC Know How To 'Raise Their Voices'

There is no denying that Sister Act is an infectious, toe-tapping musical and The Arcadians delivered just that tonight at The Crescent. Its feel-good nature is completely uplifting and the perfect remedy for those mid-week blues. 

Sister Act was adapted for the stage, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and it is a beast for any amateur theatre society to take on. But, the task of staging this musical is made easier when you have a talent like Nicole Appleby in your midst. Taking on the role of nightclub-singer-turned-nun, Appleby embraced the role of Deloris Van Cartier, brought it to life, put her own stamp on it and vocally shone through the entire night. Raise Your Voice and Sister Act were particular highlights and really demonstrate her versatility as a singer, from raising the roof to a completely stripped back performance of Sister Act.

As Appleby commanded the stage and led the ensemble of nuns in joyful song, Mairead Mallon delivered a stellar supporting performance as Sister Mary Robert, that girl can sing and what a voice she has! Not only was her voice superb, her characterisation was faultless throughout. Daniel Guzman charmingly played the role of Eddie Souther aka Sweaty Eddie and his performance of I Could Be That Guy excellently displayed his superb vocal range. 

What's also great about Sister Act is the range of comedic character parts, there are plenty. Special mentions to the incredibly sarcastic Mother Superior Sarah Evans, Lisa Blissitt as the hip-hop sister Mary Lazarus, Alison Cooper as Mary Martin of Tours, Frank Foley as the ever-so endearing Monsignor O'Hara and Daniel Jackson as Pablo. 

Raise Your Voice was the show-stopping song of the night and the moment when you had to pinch yourself and think, wow. Brilliant harmonies, with great musical direction from Lauren Gilbert. The show was brought together by fantastic directing and choreographing from Mary Johns, with some particularly hilarious moments as nuns were running round the convent and as Joey, TJ and Pablo got raunchy in Lady In The Long Black Dress.

All in all, a 'fabulous' evening of entertainment and if you need a show that will get your feet tapping and pop a smile on your face, look no further than Sister Act. 

The Arcadians production of Sister Act runs until 9 May at the Crescent Theatre. Tickets are between £15 and £18 and you can click here to book, or call the Crescent Theatre box office on 0121 643 5858.

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Check out Love Midlands Theatre's interview with Nicole Appleby here.