Review: SISTER ACT, King's Theatre, Glasgow, 3 October 2016

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act is the story of wannabe singer Deloris Van Cartier. Desperate to make it big, she tries to convince her criminal boyfriend to let her play at his club. After she witnesses him killing someone who reported him to the police Deloris has to be entered in witness protection.

Needing to hide Deloris somewhere that no one would think to find her, she takes refuge in a rundown convent where the material world has no value. Horrified that she can't smoke, drink or wear her own clothes, she doesn't exactly fit in with the other nuns.

Alexandra Burke has been well cast in central role. Putting a big name on the posters has certainly drawn in the crowds, but she definitely has the powerhouse vocals to lead the show. While the audience were very enthusiastic about the more upbeat numbers like "Take Me To Heaven", "Fabulous, Baby!" and "Raise Your Voice", my personal highlight was the more heartfelt "Sister Act" which really allowed Burke's voice to shine.

In the supporting cast I was really impressed with Karen Mann as Mother Superior, a nun who doesn't even attempt to hide her distain for Van Cartier. Mann plays the role brilliantly and gives an excellent vocal performance, especially in "Haven't Got A Prayer".

Some of the humour in Sister Act is a little cringeworthy. After revealing her true identity to the other nuns and that she is neither a nun or catholic, one responds with "But you're really a negro?". The church choir are terrible before Van Cartier starts to lead them, and the tone-deaf nuns grew tiresome very quickly. That aside, this is a fun production with heaps of talent and makes for a brilliant night out.

Sister Act runs at the King's Theatre until 8 October

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