Sister Act (Kinver Light Operatic Society)

There is a little piece of the Philadelphia Underworld that has currently taken-up occupancy at the Kinver High School Theatre and the local convent has been dragged into this seedy world after a murder is witnessed and a singer needs to be hidden prior to the trial. Made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 Movie, Kinver Light Operatic Society finally manage to bring their much delayed version of Sister Act to the stage and its absolutely worth the wait.

Attiye Passey's vivaciously flamboyant performance as Deloris Van Cartier is just the tip of a musical iceberg that smashes its way into a responsive audience, a voice that could blow the roof off any venue and eyes that draw you into the story, suggests perfect casting.

Said story is all about the relationships built between Deloris and the rest of the nuns at the convent in which she now finds herself (much initially to her chagrin it must be said) isn't it ? And there is a rich array of characters and voices in this particular establishment, apologies to those who might find the venue a little chilly, that is probably because the roof still hasn't made it back to this planet after a rendition of 'The Life I Never Led' from Sophie Bishop as Sister Mary Robert, simply outstanding. Comedy by the wimple-ful whether it be dry, caustic wit from Claire Jackson as Sister Mary Lazarus, ebullient, joyful charm from Nina Best as Sister Mary Patrick or Sheila Wood just trying to keep control as the Mother Superior (one of many highlights with her performance of 'I Haven't Got A Prayer').

Now Deloris must be hiding from somebody and that is Curtis Jackson, well known gangster of this parish and played rather unnervingly and with a distinct 'edge' by Chas James (let's put it this way, I wouldn't cross him). Sadly his team of desperate villains ready to do his bidding, lean far more towards the 'desperate' than the 'villain', nephew TJ for starters played with childish appeal (like he doesn't know quite what he has got himself into with a gun but, he'll give it his best shot !) by Harvey Dalloway, Scott Denton as 'ladies man' Joey and Paul Gardner as Spanish import Pablo (nobody is quite sure what he is saying but, it sounds impressive). If they don't make it as gangsters (and I fear they won't) perhaps they can become singers as their performance of 'Lady In The Long Black Dress' is a joy, both from an acoustic and a comedy perspective.

Now there must be a hero to this piece I hear you say and you'd be right, that being Officer Eddie Souther, one of the finest from the Philadelphia Police Department, although he's scared to fire his gun and he perspires a bit under pressure, hence the nickname 'Sweaty Eddie' but, he's a nice guy and is played with distinct charisma by Ricky Dowell (ten out of ten for keeping going during the number 'I Could Be That Guy' despite the slight costume malfunction, that's always a tough gig and you made it look easy).

Let's not forget an exemplary supporting cast, including Paul Costello's enthusiastic Monsignor O'Hara, Philippa Bishop a little 'away with the fairies' as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours and Sandy Allen as an aging but, still very able Sister Mary Theresa.

Sam Houlston (Director/Choreographer) and Nick Jeavons (Musical Director) must be incredibly proud of this production, disrupted terribly by the pandemic but, now hitting the stage with a vengeance and a show you simply don't want to miss.

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