Sister Act - Guildhall and Three Spires

Since the amateur rights for Sister Act have been released it has undoubtedly proved a popular choice amongst theatre groups across the country. Having seen numerous productions in the past year, it is clearly a show that pulls in the crowds and looks like a whole lot of fun to be a part of.

The energy never dropped in Guildhall and Three Spires joint production of this joyous show. It had the audience raising their voices as they whooped throughout and there was an exciting buzz in the air.

Overcoming some rather noisy microphone feedback interruptions, the entire cast weren’t fazed at any point and exuded a professionalism that should be highly commended. At the end of the day, these things happen and it was all handled very well.

Speaking of the cast, they were a sheer delight. The ensemble beamed, with beautiful harmonies and there was impressive work put into some of the arrangements that sounded stunning. Vocals on the whole were truly brilliant, with goose bump moments to boot.

Alanna Boden stepped into the shoes of Deloris Van Cartier for a second time, having previously performed at the Garrick last year. She thrives in the role, with her powerful voice, sass and pinpoint comic timing, it seems she was made to perform this part. A particular highlight was the spine-tingling moment she sang a captivating rendition of Sister Act.

Other commendable performances came from Michelle Checklin as the despairing Mother Superior, the ray of sunshine which was Lucy Rushton as Sister Mary Patrick, the piercing voice of Rachael McDonnell as Mary Robert and the thoroughly hilarious Karen Staton as Sister Mary Lazarus.

Although a female-led production, the gents certainly made their mark. Yet again, great vocals all round, Ian Meikle was excellent as the endearing police officer Eddie.

The 'crooks' of the piece stole many of the laughs throughout the night. Steve Bingham, Connor Clemens, Dan McGranaghan and Casey McKernan were suitably sleazy with Bingham's deep, rich vocals in When I Find My Baby and the latter three coming into their own in Lady in the Long Black Dress.

This show is billed as a 'divine musical comedy' and the company more than achieved this. From the show-stopping Raise Your Voice to the stripped back solo moments it was an enjoyable production the company should be utterly proud of.

​Congratulations to the company and creative team, including Steve Bingham (Director), Richard Taggart (Musical Director) and Julie Bedlow-Howard (Choreographer) on a great show!