Sister Act

The last time that Alexandra Burke was in Bradford was to open the Broadway Shopping Centre.

The X Factor winner is now back in the city playing the disco diver Deloris Van Cartier, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. So under protective custody she is hidden in a place that she will not be discovered - a Convent!

It was always going to be a test playing such a commanding role that Whoopi Goldberg played in the original film version, but Burke pulls it off with ease. Her facial mannerisms are a treat.

It is a feel good show set in Philadelphia in the mid 70's when disco was king and Deloris was more into Donna Summer than the church.

She finds solace in the convent choir. Mother Superior (Karen Mann) is a complete contrast to Deloris.

Smooth talking man about town, who turns into the murderer, Curtis is played by Aaron Lee Lambert, who also doubles up dressed as a percussionist playing nun in the show's band.

Police officer Eddie played by Joe Vetch strikes up a relationship with Deloris, who has a new identity as Sister Mary Clarence.

The choir go on to be so successful that they gain media attention which leads to the whereabouts of Deloris, so that Curtis and his sidekicks know where to find Deloris. She is more of a disco diva than a nice Nun!

The dance routines are infectious, the songs seem to be pastiches of disco classics but holding it all together is Alexandra Burke who is always the star of the show.

Sarah Goggin as Sister Mary Roberts comes to the fore during the evening, her singing voice perhaps a little too shrill at times. She is the underdog of the choir but provides the comical part of the night.

There are influences of other 70's shows too like Saturday Night Fever with Police officer Eddie doing a good John Travolta impression at some points in the show with his disco dancing.

With her new identity blown Deloris decides to stay with the nuns and sing in a a performance that they have in front of the Pope, whilst Curtis eventually gets shot by the Police.

As the title of one of the songs says, Look At Me I'm Fabulous Baby, this is a fabulous show. A stand up ovation from the audience was rightly deserved. Fabulous.



At Bradford Alhambra until Saturday 25 February 2017
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
Telephone: 01274 432000