Review of Sister Act at Milton Keynes Theatre

The comedy film Sister Act starring Whoopi Goldberg is thirty years old this year. During this anniversary year, a hugely successful production of this 2006 musical version of the story has been playing at the Eventim Apollo. This UK & Ireland tour is effectively the same production, however with a number of cast charges and the obvious adjustments needed for a tour. Therefore, with all these changes, does the magic of the London production continue on the road?

Sadly at times, it doesn't. I have had the pleasure to see the Sister Act musical before, and know that it is an extremely good show, full of humour, brilliant upbeat tunes and some fabulously entertaining characters. However, while this production, directed by Bill Buckhurst, remains fun throughout, it never really sparkles as much as I know the show should.

The first act, for instance, takes a long time to get going, at times, it feels like the cast is still finding their feet in the production and it fails to spark from the energy of the performers. There is also, perhaps a feeling of some of the actors overplaying their roles, and losing some subtlety from the humour. This is absolutely an over-the-top show, but, without some calm, you have no balance, and this show struggles as a result of that.

The set, while excellent at times, has a somewhat amateurish look to some backdrops, which are not in keeping with what you would expect of a professional show. There are also a number of issues with sound, with the singing often overwhelmed by the volume of the orchestra. Also, some of the vocal performances tend to be below what you would expect of a professional show such as this.

However, with so much negative to start the review, you would expect this to result in a totally poor opinion, and that isn't strictly true. There is, much to delight in with this show as well.

Sandra Marvin for instance is excellent in the lead role of singer Deloris Van Cartier, forced to hide in a convent after she witnesses a murder. Her lively performance delights, and she provides, without any question, a superb vocal performance.

Lesley Joseph gives an endearing performance as Mother Superior and is more than willing to send herself up. Also unsurprisingly bringing out all the humour in the role. And while her vocal performance isn't exactly the best, it feels perfectly in keeping with the character.

Also excellent, perhaps the best of the vocal performances, is Lizzie Bea as Sister Mary Robert. Her performance of The Life I Never Led, is, without question, the best performed musical number of the show.

A final mention from the cast must go to Graham MacDuff as police officer Eddie Souther, who, takes a little getting going in the role, but when he reaches his solo number I Could Be That Guy, he turns the comedy dial to maximum level. This number also epitomises the excellent costume work from Morgan Large on the show.

I had high hopes for Sister Act, my previous encounter with the musical was so good, I felt this was going to be a nailed-on five-star show. Sadly, there are too many weak points and a lack of soul in many of the performances to sadly get anywhere near that figure. Despite all this though, many audience members clearly loved it, and I still feel that this tour will improve as it progresses.

A lack of spark leaves this show somewhat below par.
⭐⭐⭐½

Performance reviewed: Monday 21st November 2022 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.

Sister Act runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 26th November 2022.

For further details about Milton Keynes see their website at http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

Production photos: Manuel Harlan

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