Review: Sister Act, London Oratory Theatre

Sister Act is an iconic film and has become an equally iconic musical theatre production. Since it first premiered in 2006 it has had incredibly successful West End and Broadway runs, with the most recent revival in London being 2024! It is therefore a popular choice for amateur dramatics groups and for good reason. It brilliantly showcases the fantastic Mary Briggs’ vocal prowess and comedic acting, leading the production as Deloris van Cartier. Briggs particularly shines whilst singing Sister Act and Take Me to Heaven, showing heartfelt emotion as well as impressive talent. Similarly, Heather Gilles interacts with Briggs with stern humour and lovely vocals as Mother Superior.

Natasha Jeffrey and Penny Mullord, as Sister Mary Patrick and Sister Mary Lazarus respectively, are an amusing duo and never fail to bring energy and earnest comedy to the stage. The ensemble of singing and dancing nuns are really what make this show what it is; as Deloris humorously navigates her new life in the convent, the emotional arc of the show comes from seeing her begin to care for and protect the other nuns. There is no better scene than when all of the nuns are on stage singing together, as they are in Bless This Show and Raise Your Voice, and it is the clear bond of sisterhood and found family that makes Sister Act so special. Deloris demonstrates this particularly well with Sister Mary Robert, performed excellently by Olivia Spillane. The Life I Never Led is always an emotional and hopeful number and Spillaneperforms both this and its reprise with great power and feeling.

Outside the convent, the audience can enjoy the hilarious team of Curtis Jackson, played confidently and charismatically by Richard Odufisan, and his group of comical gangsters. Trevonte Golding portrays the endearing yet slightly clumsy TJ, with Alvaro Blecua as the dashing, romantic Pablo, and Eanna O’Donnell as the confident yet awkward Joey.

The sweet, slightly sweaty (I promise this is written into the script!) Eddie Souther is performed fantastically by James Thacker who demonstrates great emotion, killer dance moves, two onstage outfit changes and stunning vocals, all within the one number I Could Be That Guy! Simon Evison also brings great humor to the role of Monsignor O’Hara and has brilliant interactions with Heather Gilles as Mother Superior.

Although this was opening night and there were a few costume and prop mishaps, with elements of the set, particularly the multi-use corner pieces, feeling more cumbersome than necessary, I’ve no doubt these will be resolved over the course of the run. The costumes and set as a whole really are an impressive spectacle, and the sparkly habits in particular bring excitement and joy to the performance.

Abigail Odat and Emily Taylor as directors, alongside Coren Hall as choreographer and Eve Millward and Nurin Abdul Aziz as musical and assistant musical directors, have created a slick, engaging show. Effectively produced and stage managed by Nadya Mere and Zoe Mack, and Becca Lillie respectively, this creative team demonstrate the incredible professionalism and aptitude of am dram. They have put together a really talented ensemble of performers and created a beautiful, hopeful musical full of joy!

Directed by Abigail Odat & Emily Taylor
Choreographed by Coren Hall 
Musically Directed by Eve Millward 
Produced by Nadya Mere & Zoe Mack 
Assistant Musically Directed by Nurin Abdul Aziz 
Stage Managed by Becca Lillie 

Sister Act plays at The London Oratory School until Saturday 11 April.