SISTER ACT Director: Thom Copestake Musical Director: Ed Nurse Choreography: Sally Hilliard / Heidi Fletcher The East Cheshire Musical Theatre Company This musical comedy, set in the 1970s, with rosary wielding, unabashed Nuns is a blessed tonic after the now lifted restrictions of the pandemic and this theatre group was more than ready to get back on stage. The stained-glass backcloth imagery, and other scenery inserts, took the audience from location to location. The costumes hair and make-up depicted the era, and the Nun’s showbiz habits all added to the fun of the disco–inspired show. The production team created a presentation that sparkled with powerhouse vocals; enthusiastic dancing, delivered with funky grooviness. All the music was in the style of Isaac Hayes/Barry White and the “Philly Soul” sound: there was only Donna Summer missing: (great playing from the pit). The sisters carry the show as they raised their voices and take us to heaven. Sister Mary Roberts (Daisy Nicholson), Sister Mary Patrick (Francesca Bowman), and Sister Mary Lazarus (Alexandra Severn) brighten up the stage with their characterisations as they ‘boogied on down’. The Mother Superior is shocked by the newly inspired singing, Pitch perfect Tina Spiers sharply characterised the role with pathos and comic timing. John Hilliard delivered with conviction the wise Monsignor O’Hara who takes an instant like to the Swinging Sisters, and battles with their earthly boss. A witness is driven into hiding after seeing a Mob murder by the homicidal Curtis (Steve Sheppard) aided by his cohorts, Joey (Kieran Hickey), Pablo (Ash Mallen) and TJ, played by Jonathan Cresswell who was most notable of the team. The boys had fun; they were the comic
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