I had previously seen Sister Act four times by amateur or youth companies, all amazing and this offering by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company Youth was no exception. It was also the first time I had seen the youth section of BMTC, and the future looks bright indeed for this society.
Sister Act tells the tale of Deloris, a singer, who witnesses a murder by the hands of her gangster boyfriend and as a result, goes into witness protection in a convent. Unwelcomed by the Mother Superior, but popular with the rest of the nuns, Deloris transforms their singing with the result of drawing attention to her secret hideaway. Lots of fun, finding inner strength and learning who we are, later, a happy end is in store for all … except the gangsters.
Playing Deloris was the wonderful Maggie Bell, who I appeared in panto with over eight years ago. Half a lifetime, for Maggie that is, and it is no surprise now to see her as the lead commanding the stage. Great sass and excellent vocals, particularly in the title song. In equally top form was Amelia Kinsey as Deloris’ reluctant ally in Mother Superior. Here Within These Walls was perfect. Good convincing acting, too.
As Officer (Sweaty) Eddie Souther we had Jake Silvester and I really enjoyed the rendition of I Could Be That Guy, with the three different costumes worn throughout that song. No wonder they called him Sweaty Eddie. In the role of Mary Robert, I was most impressed with Millie Parsons; one of the best renditions of The Life I Never Led I have heard. Such strong vocals, hitting that top note with ease. Completing the leading nuns were strong performances by Grace Hill (Mary Patrick), Poppy Tye (Mary Lazarus) and Ophelia Rooney (Mary Stephen/Newscaster).
Sam Khatri doubled up well as the comical Monsignor and gangster Joey. And that is the only drawback about this junior version, the gangster roles are all but cut. However, there was still time enough for Connor Matthews (Curtis), Nataniel Done (TJ), Carrick Kennerley (Pablo) and Jenson Done (Ernie) to shine. The rest of this fabulous cast were Charlotte Wilkes-Brotherton, Millie Silvester, Darcey Wood, Isobel Southwell, Mia Brotherton, Sophie Brotherton, Ivy Cameron-Prowse, Abbie Crump, Roxie Kennerley, Poppy Martin, Ronnie Gelder, Scarlett Mason and Aria Legister.
The version of Sister Act was directed by Sonia Cameron with musical direction from Ian Windsor. The amazing choreography came courtesy of Elizabeth Hill and Sian Cameron. All on production can be enormously proud of the results on show.
Sister Act features the music of Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater, plus a book from Chris and Cheri Steinkeller. Having performed this show myself, I was familiar with all the musical numbers and therefore do not have a favourite. I also pre-empted most of the humour with my prior knowledge, but such was the excellence of the cast, I still found it all equally funny.
According to the programme, BMTC Youth was formed in 2019 and strike off a year for Covid, then this is still a very new setup. And one that I approve of. More societies should encourage youth, because one day main societies will need them.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt - Author 