Based on the hit-film Sister Act in 1992 X-factor winner Alexandra Burke stars in the lead role as Disco Diva Deloris Van Cartier, who must hide in a convent after witnessing a mob murder. Struggling under the strict House rules of the Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow nuns to find their voices and in the process unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Pop singer Alexandra Burke dazzles (at times quite literally) as she claims ownership of the role in I’s entirety. Burke once again proves that pop stars can take on the West End having previously starred in the stage version of The Body Guard. Burke is sassy and comical in an equal measure giving a performance that only builds on her fantastic vocal strengths. Burke was very much made for the role. of Deloris and does a notable performance as the character. Burke is matched in presence by Karen Mann who plays a convincing Mother Superior. Mann verbally spars against Burke at every opportunity, delighting in serving as Burke’s foil. Their performances are added to by an energetic ensemble cast who further lift the show with their strong performances.
Director and choreographer Craig Revel Horwood, best known as the judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing has choreographed an exciting production. However, at times, Burke seemed to struggle to keep up while singing with the dance routines which was sometimes quite noticeable. Under his direction, several side characters from the movie are expanded upon, with the Policeman who escorts Deloris to the Convent being a childhood friend who nurses a crush on her. This change did not take over the production but added an additional comical element that helped make the stage production its own thing separate from the film.
Overall this stage production of Sister Act was a good show that I enjoyed. Burke really got her teeth into the role and I was delighted to see her perform the role the entire evening. Some may consider this a cliche tale but the cast and crew breathed a new life into the production and should be commended for doing so.
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