An Evening Of Divine Intervention – Sister Act!

Some think Sister Act is a hyped up over engineered musical that’s beyond daft – which it is - but, on a rainy night in Bradford with less spirit in your soul than you’d find in the communion chalice, this is the one musical that’ll lift your eyes to Heaven in thanks!

Despite being closely associated with the show, it has been said that an appearance by Lesley Birds of a Feather’Joseph as Mother Superior – the convent ‘head’ charged with doling out spiritual guidance to her religious brood – can be something of a lottery.

However, last night she was on stage in full throat and, I have to say, in top form with beautiful acting tones and excellent diction when singing: a true pro who demonstrated clearly that she was much more than just a household name from a well-known TV sitcom.

As did Landi Oshinowo as the equally talented ‘nun on the run’. Between the two, the gospel singing duo drove the show forward, aided by a cast of gifted ladies from the Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow convent. By curtain down everyone was up on their feet.

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the 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, professional singer, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

It has hallmarks of Some Like It Hot, the 1959 Marilyn Monroe movie and musical in which Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon donned frocks to join a touring group of female musicians in their desperate efforts to evade the Mob.

Yes, Sister Act is plain daft but, tell that to its ardent fan base, hundreds of whom filled Bradford’s Alhambra to near capacity.

It was nice to see Bingley boy, Bradley Judge back on home ground as the nauseating TJ, one of boss man Curtis Jackson’s (Ian Gareth-Jones) henchmen – last time he was pedalling the Old Testament in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! This time he was masquerading as a nun. How quickly things can change in the theatre!

But if there’s ever a middle-sized cameo part to be exploited, then it has to be Deloris’ secret admirer, Philadelphia cop, Eddie Souther. Alfie Parker was just wonderful in the role and his I could Be That Guy was worthy of its own Oscar!

Sister Act was my tonic for the Monday night blues. It was raining. I just wanted to watch TV at home. But what a treat I would have missed. All my prayers were answered and it was no penance to be in the Alhambra. A wonderful glitzy ending!

Pray for their souls but pray that there are some tickets left!