SISTER ACT by WESSEX MUSICAL THEATRE Thomas Hardye Theatre, Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester Based on the 1992 film, the show follows night club diva Deloris Van Cartier as she is forced to go into hiding after witnessing a murder by her gangster boyfriend. While awaiting his trial, Deloris – who is hardly inconspicuous - is hidden in a place where nobody would suspect; a convent! What could possibly go wrong? Sister Act is a challenging musical for an amateur group to undertake, but WMT have certainly pulled it off and you leave the theatre smiling and possibly wiping away a tear or two. As much as this show is funny, it’s also a wonderful story of love and friendship found in the most unexpected places.
From the opening scene, the audience is gripped by Shakira Berrisford leading the cast as Deloris; she doesn’t put a foot wrong, and gives an exceptional performance. Her comic timing, movement and stunning vocals, and later with her sublime rendering of the title song, ‘Sister Act’ which displays tenderness and pathos, all show that Berrisford ticks every box plus a few more. Stella Brading gives a beautiful performance, playing the strong and un-bending Mother Superior of the convent who can show a fragile and compassionate side to great effect and you know that the show is safe when she is onstage; she nails her complex songs, especially highlighted during ‘I Haven’t Got a Prayer’.
The bad guys – Paul Brewster leading Ralph Ricardo, Darrell Hounsome and Davi.