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Fiona Mountford's rating
Nun fun is heavenly in Sister Act
By
Fiona Mountford
3 Jun 2009
It's been done before, the reasoning might have gone, so why not do it again? Put a singing nun centre stage in a musical and watch the piece climb every mountain.
The difference this time around is that there are two problems to be solved: one called Deloris, instead of Maria, and another of successfully transferring the popular 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film to the stage.
Gallery: Sister Act offical opening night
Whether or not divine intervention is involved, it’s a wimple-wibbling, habit-forming triumph.
You probably know the story by now. Nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses her crime boss boyfriend commit a murder, and is hidden away in a failing convent by witness protection until she can testify.
The nuns can’t sing, but Deloris got rhythm and all the sisters triumphantly wind up doing it for themselves, each other and even the Pope.
Before Peter Schneider’s production builds up the unstoppable head of momentum that led to the quickest standing ovation I’ve ever seen on a West End first night, there are some dubious early moments.
The hand-knitted charm of the film is ditched in favour of a far raunchier look, with Deloris (Patina Miller), overly full of attitude initially, and her low-life chums transposed into a Seventies blaxploitation aesthetic.
The year 1992, along with the idea of contemporary religious fervour, seems to be a concept too nebulous for anyone to bother with now.
Once we find Sheila Hancock’s delightfully droll Mother Superior (“God has brought you to this place: take the hint”) waiting for Deloris, sorry, Sister Mary Clarence, things take a distinct turn for the heavenly.
Alan Menken’s attractive, gospel-inflected score kicks in and those soon-to-be swinging sisters introduce themselves marvellously in How I Got the Calling. Helped along by Anthony Van Laast’s energetic choreography, they supply a stream of cherishable images: a can-can line of nuns in gaudy surplices, and then an ad hoc convent pyjama party as they pray away late-night nerves before the climactic encounter with His Holiness.
There’s further fun to be had courtesy of the Deloris-chasing hoodlums who croon a Barry White-esque ode to nun-wooing, Lady In The Long Black Dress. Yet there can be no disputing the evening’s main draw: 24-year-old Miller, who fills this huge stage with so many bundles of star quality that another dressing room will surely have to be found for them all.
Her magnificent voice is rich, soaring and, crucially, unflagging. She might have been unknown last night, but today all that will have changed. Take it away, sisters.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (11)
If I had one evening left before I died, I would go and see Sister Act. It is the best show I've EVER seen. I've laughed, cried and danced my way through it three times now and it still gives me goosebumps. Amazing.
- Sian Gregory, London, 19/06/2010 23:09
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I saw Sister Act on the off chance of not being able to get tickets for another performance. What can you say? Excellent? Brilliant? Breathtaking? No none of those, heavenly grandeur! Best show I have ever seen - being involved in over 1000 pro productions - get yourself to the London Paladium for this night of pure brilliance. Well done cast keep up the good work and in those immortal words "I'll be back!" D :o)
- David P, Durham, UK, 29/04/2010 18:33
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Just fabulous. We had doubts whether it was going to deliver, but needn't have worried. A minor technical glitch that held up the show for 5 mins or so at the start couldn't put a downer on this. Standing ovation for a brilliant cast with a fabulous performance. We all agreed that we'd grinned and laughed so much it hurt. Definately on the list to see again and again.
- Becky, Staffs,Uk, 03/07/2009 14:08
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Sister Act the show and it's characters were rather lost in this huge theatre where you really do expect to see them 'put on a show'. The costumes were sparkly true but nothing we haven't seen before. The rather static set was colourful but not impressive enough and, apart from a replica church interior, failed to fill the space. Patina Miller is good - I'd like to see her in Dreamgirls but the show came across as live cabaret too often and just wasn't much of a 'musical'. The more 'intimate' musicals in London are far far better (La Cage/A little night music)
- Daniel, East London, London, UK, 16/06/2009 12:33
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A great production, set and cast!
My only criticism would be that it starts a little slowly however, that can be forgiven given the quality of the set and most importantly the cast! 
- Sara Ancill, Dartford, Kent, 12/06/2009 08:51
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My comment that I would like to add here is that when I went to see the show it was just spectatcular and my Mum who played Mary Lazauras who was on the piano and done here rap act, She was amazing in her self.
And the show will be a wonderful sell out and long term runner.
Nicolas Woodbridge
- Nicolas Woodbridge, Brenftord, London,Middlesex,, 04/06/2009 16:46
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Utterly average rubbish for far too long - only gets into its stride by the last song of the first half and by then it's the interval. Brilliant set deserves a better show.
- Annalin, Bow, 04/06/2009 13:15
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Perfect combination of smart and silly. Witticisms and tunes top-notch. A great evening out at the Palladium.
- Xander, Bourne, 04/06/2009 10:36
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This is a heartless, tawdry musical which will surely best suit the debased imbeciles who give a standing ovation on the first note to auditionees on Britain's Got Talent. Sister Act lacks soul in any sense.
- Lex, London, 04/06/2009 00:13
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We saw a preview of Sister Act this weekend and had an absolute blast! I was a bit concerned that I'd miss Whoopi, but within minutes she was forgotten. Patina Miller was fabulous, as was the entire cast. Let's face it, it doesn't get much funnier than comedy nuns. And wait till you see the costumes!
The cast received a spontaneous standing ovation which was well deserved. I hope the show proves to be a big hit.
- Claire Mclaughlin, Exeter, UK, 03/06/2009 13:15
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All the theatre needs now is to add some air conditioning, stop charging £4.70 for two bottles of water and come into the 2000s and over payment by card.
- Matthew Willis, london, 03/06/2009 12:27
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