REVIEW: Sister Act the Musical

A musical based upon Hollywood blockbuster Sister Act comes to Birmingham in a powerhouse new production that ripples with energy.

Sister Act the Musical is now playing at The Birmingham Hippodrome.

A crime comedy film released over 30 years ago, starring Whoopi Goldberg, and produced for $31 million, went on to gross over $230 million around the world. The feel-good movie, with a female empowerment theme, was directed by Emile Ardolino who had previously made a star out of Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing in 1987.

The Hollywood film has now been adapted into a successful award-winning musical which has delighted theatre goers in the West End and on Broadway.

Fans of the movie will be very familiar with the story which balances comedy with drama. Deloris Van Cartier, a flamboyant singer, goes on the run from the mob after she witnesses her on-off boyfriend Curtis Jackson executing an informer.

The police decide to put Deloris into a witness protection programme. Deloris is given a perfect disguise to hide from the killers on her trail by having her dress up as a nun and joining a convent run by a strict Mother Superior.

Deloris is handed the task of training the lacklustre convent choir and transforming the singers into confident and strong women, and in the process of helping others Deloris begins to strengthen her inner being too. This nun on the run musical caper has moments of humour and scenes that celebrate the power of women to overcome mental and social adversity.  

The energetic disco, Motown and soul flavoured music for the show is provided by Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who composed the magical songs for Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, and the inspirational lyrics for Sister Act the Musical are provided by Glenn Slater.

Director Bill Buckhurst keeps a firm hand on proceedings, and the high level energy of the show is channeled in a way that keeps the audience totally captivated from beginning to end.

The quality of this show shines from the superlative production values to the stunning performances by the talented cast and crew.

West End star Landi Oshinowo takes the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg and brings her own unique touch to Deloris. The character changes and becomes stronger and more connected as she mingles with the other nuns, and Oshinowo’s charismatic performance highlights the emotional shifts in Deloris' life in subtle and dramatic ways. Oshinowo's vocals are absolutely electrifying.

All of the roles in this show are performed with perfection including Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver as Mother Superior. Cleaver brings the right touch of steely authority to her role.  

Morgan Large’s sparkling costumes and set designs perfectly capture the style and elegance of the movie. This sumptuous show brings to life the look and feel of 1970’s Philadelphia. The backdrops are really evocative, and the interior of the convent is lit with gorgeous and atmospheric lighting by Tim Mitchell.

Sister Act the Musical is a glorious show that will have you singing, clapping, and whooping with rapture.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Sister Act the Musical is currently playing at The Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 18 May