It doesn't seem like five minutes since Sister Act graced the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome. Now, with a new UK tour cast and high expectations, it's time for one of the most feel-good productions of the year to return to the second city!
The five-time tony-nominated show is based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, and tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier - a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found; a convent.
Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
Sister Act was last on the Hippodrome stage in 2022 and back then I said that what made this show special was, in equal proportion, the score and the cast. Those remaining from that tour are currently on stage with the show in the West End, but that gives opportunity to a new class of '24 to tell Deloris' story in Birmingham...and tell it they did!
What's important to point out is that this isn't the film on stage - Sister Act borrows the plot, the surroundings and the characters but delivers a predominantly new soundtrack, created by Alan Menken, which is almost certainly one of the best around. I defy anyone to walk out of the auditorium not feeling like they've had a shot of adrenalin and with a megamix of songs going round in their minds. Sister Act is the perfect combination of emotions, and it's still very much the cast who deliver that punch.
If the phrase 'living her best life' was to be applied to anyone, it'd be Landi Oshinowo who brings us a larger than life Deloris. Having understudied the role at the London Palladium, and with a CV that would make any actor envious, Oshinowo excelled in the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg.
From start to finish, Oshinowo is an absolute joy to watch. She brings a sass and a humour to what is an incredibly demanding role and immediately adds herself to the Deloris Van Cartier hall of fame.
Corrie favourite, Sue Cleaver takes the (perfectly cast) role of Mother Superior, a part which was immortalised by Maggie Smith in the film version. I've seen a few actresses portray Mother Superior over the years, but there's something about Sue's interpretation that really resonated perfectly. Showing a different side to her talent, whether you were there as a fan of musical theatre, or a lover of Eileen Grimshaw - it didn't matter. Cleaver put her own stamp on the role and, in her own right, gave an exceptional performance.
That's something echoed in Eloise Runnette's exceptional take on Sister Mary Robert - the character who has the biggest vocal transformation in the show, and who was played by one of the theatre world's biggest rising stars.
In refuse to believe this is Eloise’s first professional role - her vocals are beautiful, her stage presence commanding and her take on The Life I Never Led was just exquisite.
Special mention should also go to Alfie Parker. Eddie is a brilliant role for any actor - but Parker isn’t ‘any’ actor. His take on the part made him stand out from the crowd with the perfect mix of loveable and uber-talented he was superb.
This show has a perfect soundtrack, stunning set and a cast that's oozing talent from every pore. But it's more than that - it's exactly the right show for the country right now and this production should be on everyone's must-see list.
Sister Act is playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 18th May. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
