Sister Act - Must end 30th October 2010
The London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1
Sister Act The Musical opened at The London Palladium in June 2009. Set in 1970s Philadelphia, Sister Act: The Musical tells the story of enigmatic Reno singer Deloris Van Cartier, who is placed in protective custody in a convent after witnessing a gang-land murder.
SISTER ACT. Starring Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior & Blue's Simon Webbe.
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found- a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an up tight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sisterhood.
Based on the smash-hit film, Sister Act features a brand new score by 8 time Oscar winner Alan Menken, whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and most recently, the hit film Enchanted.
What the Papers Say
THE VERY idea of musicals about nuns once had convents quaking and wimples wobbling with disapproval. But after the Sound of Music anything was possible and now we have all singing, dancing and rocking sisters in a frolicsome show that combines sex and spirituality.
Based on the two Whoopi Goldberg movies, it has an unashamedly far-fetched plot: louche lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (great name) is hidden by police in a convent after seeing her gangster boyfriend shoot a stoolie. Deloris, now named Sister Mary Clarence, soon clashes with the strict Mother Superior. Despite that, she transforms the nuns’ choir, from the dirge of plainsong to rocking gospel music.
Patina Miller belts it out with enough energy to fire a canon as Deloris – the most hip nun ever to rock it in a convent.This American singer with the soul of gospel in her voice shines in the part and has every foot in the theatre tapping along to her infectious energy
From the opening number, Take Me To Heaven, she brings an amazing vibrancy to the stage, as if she is plugged in to some super electric mains.There is no doubt that this girl, who has a fantastically expressive face, can part the clouds with the sheer volume of her voice. She leads a chorus of the most energetic nuns ever seen and, particularly in the final show-stopper called Spread The Love Around, one almost felt like clambering on the stage and joining in.What the chorus and these high-kicking singer-dancers manage is to bring genuine rays of heavenly happiness to the stage.
Sheila Hancock brings a splendidly icy disapproval to the part of the Mother Superior. And she handles the gradual thawing-out of the old nun with a sprightly verve. She also demonstrates quite a fine voice herself – particularly with the gentle song Here Within These Walls.
There is also a touching and noteworthy performance by Katie Rowley Jones as the novitiate Sister Mary Robert. She exudes an uncertainty about becoming a nun, having never experienced much of life and the song she sings, The Life I Never Led, is truly moving. Everything buzzes along to Alan Menken’s music and there are some slick lyrics from Glenn Slater. All in all, as the subtitle says, it is a "divine musical comedy". Bless.
- Paul Callan, Daily Express
Seating Plan
The Living Room W1
3-9 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BE
The Living Room W1 will be a home-from-home for lovers of quality food. Situated on Heddon Street, off Regent street in London's West End is located in the former Post Office, made famous by its iconic appearance on the cover of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album.