Nun-stop entertainment in Sister Act at Theatre Royal, Portsmouth | Review
Benchmark Musical Theatre delivered a heavenly night of entertainment with their joyous production of Sister Act, transforming the Theatre Royal into the hottest church in town.
Bursting with soul, sparkle and enough laughs to raise the roof of any convent, this was a production that had more soul than Sunday service.
Based on the beloved film, Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder and is hidden away in a convent for her own protection. Struggling to fit into the quiet religious life, Deloris soon transforms the choir from tuneless to triumphant, breathing new life into the church and the sisters around her.
Leading the congregation was the outstanding Marlene Hill as Deloris Van Cartier. Commanding the stage with charisma and powerhouse vocals, Hill delivered a performance packed with heart, soul and disco diva energy. Her voice was simply divine.
Emma Hall perfectly channelled the lovable spirit of Kathy Najimy with a warm and hilarious turn as Sister Mary Patrick, while Laura Bowler shone brightly as Sister Mary Robert. Beginning soft and timid before blossoming into a vocal revelation, Bowler’s performance was nothing short of a little theatrical miracle.
Meanwhile, Emma Brown brought grace, authority and stunning vocals to Mother Superior, delivering every line with saintly precision. Perry Ralls was hugely likeable as ‘Sweaty’ Eddie Souther, while Peta Reading brought plenty of sass and comic timing as Sister Mary Lazarus.
The biggest laughs of the evening came courtesy of Luke Henley, Adam Fox and Will McGovern as Joey, TJ and Pablo, the gloriously clueless henchmen of Curtis Jackson, played with menacing flair by Mark MacLaine.
With heavenly harmonies, a superb set and a cast clearly having the time of their lives, this production was an absolute blessing.
Benchmark Musical Theatre have done it again, delivering Nun-stop entertainment from curtain up to the final blessing.
Until Saturday, May 9.
NICK COLLINS