We caught the Corn Exchange’s feel-good new musical
If your spirits need lifting this December, we can recommend a trip over to the Corn Exchange to see Sister Act the musical: a song, soul and sequin filled show which earned a standing ovation from the crowd on its opening night (12 December).
A revival of the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this energetic remake sees Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood in the director’s seat. The plot, as most will know, is blissfully ridiculous: witnessing the murder of an informant by her no good gangster boyfriend, wannabe disco diva Deloris Van Cartier goes into hiding in a convent for her protection. In the fish out of water comedy that follows, Deloris clashes with the strict Mother Superior, who’s scandalised by her latest recruit, but wins the hearts of her fellow nuns.
Joanna Francis takes the lead role of Deloris, serving up sass, soul, impeccable comic timing and flawless vocals throughout. She’s joined by a hugely talented cast of actor-musicians, who provide the soundtrack for the show live on stage – an impressive feat which makes for an electric atmosphere.
It’s when Deloris takes over rehearsals for the convent choir that the fun really starts, coaxing the inner disco queens out of the motley crew of tone deaf nuns. A particularly heart-melting moment comes in the final song of the first act – the reprise of Take Me To Heaven – which begins as a sweet, traditional choir hymn and morphs into a belting soul number. It’s utterly impossible not to get swept up in the uplifting vibes that radiate from this show – especially as it draws to an end, offering a story of love, salvation (in unlikely places) and the power of music, it’s the ultimate feel-good night out.
The show runs from Saturday 17 December, with tickets priced £25.50-£42.50; OAPs, students and under-16s get £3 off top-price tickets. As well as nightly 7.30pm shows, there is a 2.30pm matinee on the 17th.