REVIEW: SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL

John Kyrle High School

IT was a thrilling honest-to-God religious experience to see top performances from the cast in this musical production, but it was Darcy Jones who stole the show.

Darcy embodied the roles of Deloris / Sister Mary Clarence, whether in a habit or sparkling leopard skin outfits, in giving a real confident theatrical stage performance.

The musical opens in a night club at which Deloris is seen singing with back-up singers (Beth Fawkes and Gracey Sherchan) but she witnesses her mob boss boyfriend Curtis (Olaf Marzec) killing a man, turning her life upside down and forcing her to hide out in witness protection scheme.

Whilst hiding at the quiet convent, becoming Sister Mary Clarence, she interacts well with the Mother Superior (Cerys Giles) and is handed the baton in trying to engage with the nun’s out of tune choir, which is said that ‘there were no words’ to describe them.

Bringing her own flair to the fore, Deloris transforms the timid group of sisters into a joyful ensemble.

Sister Mary Robert (Seren Bateman) transforms from a novice to a confident singer while Sister Mary Patrick played by Sophie Shakespear, demonstrated her enthusiasm for the role.

Big-hearted American cop Eddie Souther (Sid Steward) had just about the right amount of endearing awkwardness while Will Martin playing the part of Father Monsignor O’Hare, especially in the confessional box.

Special mention should be made of the mob lackeys (Max Jones, Lili Palmer and Tallulah Frost) who chased Doloris with comedic timing.

In the finale, the production’s stage manager Carys Clerkson appears as his eminence, the all singing dancing Pope.

While the acting and singing exceeded many school productions, these aspiring actors shone because of the musicianship of the band and the school’s tech department, which created all the props.

The John Kyrle Hih School production ended with Police Officer Souther telling Deloris that someday she was going to be a star, however I believe this comment should be reserved for Darcy Jones, who played the charismatic role - a future star in the making.

Andy Sherwill