Review: Sister Act - The Musical by Bradford Catholic Players

It is always difficult to bring a smash hit film to the stage as a musical, made harder when the original star was so iconic and even more so for an amateur society, but Bradford Catholic Players have managed to pull it off with aplomb. Their production of Sister Act, based on the 1992 movie of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg, is successfully brought to the stage of Yeadon Town Hall with star quality shining throughout.

Based on the film, Sister Act – The Musical, differs slightly from the film written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Alan Menken. If you like the film, you’ll love the musical as it highlights our fear of change, and the power of love and community.

The story focuses on Deloris, a nightclub singer who witnesses her gangland boyfriend kill one of his gang and must hide to avoid being the next on his list. She is placed in the Queen of Angels convent where she finds it difficult to fit in until her love of singing finds her inspiring the sisters and saving the convent from imminent closure. When her boyfriend finds her hideout, it is time to find out who her real friends are.

Amy Watt who plays Deloris (Image: Cian O’Riain of CIANS CAMERAS’)

Taking the lead role of Deloris, Amy Watt shows a maturity belying her young age, stepping into Whoopi’s shoes, and making the part her own. Her vocals range from the strong and sassy nightclub singer with numbers like Take Me to Heaven and Fabulous Baby to the more gently reflective tones, like Sister Act, as she reflects on the real friends she has made in the convent.

The nuns are led by their Mother Superior, wonderfully played by Sarah Huby, fearful of the impact Deloris will have on her Convent, she tries to bring a calming influence to her sisters whilst trusting in the power of God to answer her prayers. But are the answers as she expects? And in the end where will she stand when danger arrives?

Mick Duckworth leads the gangsters and delivers his song, When I find My Baby, with dark menace. Whilst gang members Alex Wright, Matthew Leaky and Adam Gregory have a ball singing the hilarious, Lady in the Long Back Dress. All veteran performers for whom taking lead roles would be second nature, how good it is to see them take small roles to support the society and their fellow actors.

As Eddie the investigating police officer with a secret, Nathan Hurtault, plays the shy lovestruck hero perfectly and his transformations both visually and vocally in, I Could be that Guy, was one of the highlights of the evening.

But the show would be nothing without the chorus of nuns, it would be unfair to pick out any one in particular as they each have their own character, idiosyncrasy, and quirk. A real joy to watch as they battle with their feelings and turn from the tone-deaf singers to a full-on glitzy chorus line invited to perform for the Pope!

Andy Lunn’s direction is, as always, considerate of the actors whilst full of little nuances that build the characterisations. Choreography by Megan Elsegood is full of contrasts, from the showy full cast numbers, to the individual dark broody and more contemplative. Musical Direction by Tony Dylack leads his band from the rear of the stage with consideration for the performers and along with Sound Engineer, Chris Eddison, avoids the temptation of drowning out the vocalists.

Whilst high energy from start to finish, there is still opportunities for those little reflective numbers whilst always retaining a disco beat and Philly sound. It will definitely make you laugh; possibly make you cry as the story of compromise and learning takes you through a range of emotions showing that sometimes it is the differences between us that draw us together and brings about great changes vital to us all.

Sister Act – The Musical is at Yeadon Town Hall from November 13 to Saturday, November 16, 2024.