Review: SISTER ACT, New Alexandra Theatre, 12 September 2016

Jamie Wilson and the Leicester Curve's new production of Sister Act contains all of the ingredients for a smash-hit musical: a star director, a celebrity lead, a well-known, beloved story based on a popular film, and a plethora of sequins and catchy tunes.

Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring Philadelphia club singer. When Doloris witnesses her mobster boyfriend Curtis commit murder, she rushes to the police and old high school friend, Eddie, hides her in the one place she surely won't be found: a convent. The Mother Superior abhors Deloris's outspoken and extravagant nature. However, Deloris soon forms a close bond with the other sisters, transforming their pitiful choir with soul and funk versions of their usual hymns. When the convent choir's growing popularity puts Deloris's safety at risk, the sisters and even Mother Superior risk everything to protect her.

Alexandra Burke gives a truly outstanding performance as Deloris Van Cartier. Although her opening lines in "Take Me To Heaven" are tentative, and it is hard to pick out her voice from the instrumentation, she grows in confidence and strength throughout. Her gorgeous vocals are at their most impressive in a higher range; Burke brims with confidence as she adds complicated licks and trills to showcase her voice. Her performance of "Sister Act" is emotionally charged, contrasting with the raw power and exuberance of "Fabulous Baby".

It is to Burke's credit that, within a couple of scenes, it is easy to forge that she's an X Factor-winning pop star and simply see Deloris. A secure, sassy American accent, exaggerated, diva-esque gestures and comical facial expressions completely transform her. Her energy and stamina are very impressive, and it truly seems as though the role of Deloris Van Cartier is made for Alexandra Burke.

The entire cast give extremely characterful vocal performances. Jon Robyns (Eddie) has a stunning, clean voice, and gives a brilliant comic performance during "I Could Be That Guy". Sarah Goggin is absorbing and committed as Sister Mary Robert, never losing her gawky, wide-eyed persona even as she hits some awe-inspiring high notes in "Raise Your Voice." Her pure, clear vocals would not sound out of place in a Disney princess film.

Casts of actor-musicians are becoming increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why. Director Craig Revel Horwood makes the most of his violin, accordion, flute and saxophone-playing troupe of nuns. They switch seamlessly between acting, singing, dancing and playing their instruments, keeping the pace up and reducing the amount of people on stage.

The chorus numbers with the nuns and Deloris are the highlights of this performance. Packed with soaring harmonies, sassy choreography, neon lights and sequinned habits, songs such as "Raise Your Voice", "Take Me To Heaven" and "Sunday Morning Fever" create a festive, joyous atmosphere.

At times, Sister Act is a victim of its own success. The scenes in between the blockbusting choral numbers feel slow and quiet by comparison. The interaction between the Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Curtis and his cronies feels a little pantomimic, in contrast to the endearing, multi-layered performances of Burke and her fellow nuns.

Sister Act is a funny, fresh and fiery musical that makes you sing hallelujah, dust off your best sequinned jumpsuit and practise your disco dancing routine. Led by the fabulous Alexandra Burke, this multitalented cast takes you so close to heaven.

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