Based on the movie of the same name, Sister Act is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music. It tells the story of disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier (played by Beverley Knight) whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent. 

Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior (Ruth Jones), Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

The production spent the summer of 2022 at the Dominion Theatre, and soul queen Beverley Knight is back for a second time as Deloris. It’s easy to see why. 

Her vocal range is off the charts. As always, she makes it look effortless and brings the sass and energy that audiences will recognise from the Deloris played by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 film. But Beverley also brings a new spirit and a softer side that puts a different spin on the much-loved character.

Ruth Jones who is best-known as ‘Nessa’ in comedy sitcom, Gavin and Stacey, serves up a big dose of Welsh charm in her role as Mother Superior. The idea to keep it real and abandon an American accent works perfectly for a British audience - she even dons socks with that famous red dragon on at one point.

The actor admitted that she was terrfied about doing her first ever musical at the age of 57, but she shouldn’t have been. Like a duck to water, she’s clearly relishing the moment and performs with conviction, while also giving the Nessa fans in the room something to smile about. 

Birds of a Feather icon Lesley Joseph also makes a return as Sister Mary Lazarus and is excellent - I’m talking being hoisted up as a runaway church bell rope pulls her from the ground, and even a verse of Sugarhill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight. If I’m half as zealous at the age of 78 then I will have done something right. 

The production is at its most impressive when the choir of nuns, made up of West End regulars and amazing vocalists, sing in unison. Their vivacity certainly makes an impression which was only taken up a notch when Sister Mary Robert (Lizzie Bea) finds her booming voice.

A mention also for Clive Rowe’s take on Eddie Souther which is a great watch; there is even a swift costume change for a Saturday Night Fever-esque number. 

The feel-good factor is what makes this show successful. It’s colourful and fun, whisking audiences away into an extravagant story that prods at authenticity and sticking up for the people who matter most.

Its tongue-in-cheek humour strikes a chord and allows theatregoers to breeze through a well-known story with no complex plot line to throw you off. It just works.

Fans of the film will like this, fans of OTT theatre will adore it. Give it a try.