Whoopi Goldberg starts tonight
August 10, 2010
Whoopi Goldberg makes her West End debut tonight, 10 August, in Sister Act at the London Palladium.
Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act The Musical
The Hollywood movie star has co-produced the West End show, based on the 1990s film in which she starred.
The Oscar-winner takes over from Sheila Hancock in the role of Mother Superior for 23 performances only from 10 to 31 August at the London Palladium. The show also stars Patina Miller as Deloris van Cartier, in the role that Whoopi originated in the hit movie.
Sheila Hancock left the show on 31 July, with her co-star Patina Miller paying tribute to the star on Twitter: “I’ve learned so much from her, it’s gonna be tough to see her leave”.
Actress, singer-songwriter, political activist and talk show host, Whoopi Goldberg won an Oscar in 1990 for her part in Ghost, and has appeared in numerous films including The Color Purple, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Soapdish, as well as her comedy stand-up work and appearance on US TV’s The View.
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
Sister Act
August 1, 2010
Fun-filled musical based on the hit film, featuring score by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken and starring talented new star Patina Miller.
Casting: Sister Act, Priscilla, Les Mis
July 15, 2010
Whoopi Goldberg to make her West End debut in Sister Act; Alf from Home and Away joins the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks to appear in Les Mis at the O2.
Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act The Musical
SISTER ACT
Whoopi Goldberg will join the cast of Sister Act next month. The Hollywood movie star makes her West End debut in the show that she has co-produced, based on the 1990s film in which she starred.
The Oscar-winner will take over from Sheila Hancock in the role of Mother Superior for 23 performances only from 10 to 31 August at the London Palladium. The show also stars Patina Miller as Deloris van Cartier, in the role that Whoopi originated in the hit movie.
The actress, singer-songwriter, political activist and talk show host won an oscar in 1990 for her part in Ghost, and has appeared in numerous films including The Color Purple, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Soapdish, as well as her comedy stand-up work and appearance on US TV’s The View.
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Ray Meagher
Home and Away’s Alf Stewart, aka Australian actor Ray Meagher, will join the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre from 30 September.
Sadly Ray will not be donning fishnets and stilettos to play one of the three Sydney drag queens who go bush on an epic journey across Australia in the fun show based on the hit movie. Rather Ray will play ocker mechanic Bob, who falls for Les Girls drag queen Bernadette, played in the show by Don Gallagher.
Other cast in the long-running show include The Bill’s Ben Richards as Tick and Oliver Thornton as Adam.
In a West End first, the whole show will take a break in September for essential maintenance work on Priscilla the bus, allowing the cast and crew to enjoy a holiday from 6 to 19 September.
Book tickets to Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre
LES MISERABLES 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess in Love Never Dies
More casting has been announced for the O2 Arena concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables on 3 October 2010.
Current star of Love Never Dies, Ramin Karimloo, will take on the role of Enjolras in the musical. He will be joined by current Les Mis cast member Samantha Barks as Eponine. Samantha was a finalist on the BBC One talent show I’d Do Anything and is currently playing Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables alongside Nick Jonas.
The special concert will play on 3 October 2010 at 1.30pm and 7pm.
The concert will see stars from the original London cast come together with current casts and major celebrities to celebrate the birthday, including Nick Jonas, Alfie Boe, Norm Lewis, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, Jenny Galloway, Camilla Kerslake and 300 performers and musicians.
Les Miserables will also make theatrical history with three different productions running simultaneously in London: the original production at the Queen’s Theatre, the new 25th anniversary UK tour of Les Miserables which will come to the Barbican for a short season, and the exclusive concert at the O2 Arena.
Book tickets to Les Miserables 25th Anniversary concert at the O2 Arena
WHOOPI GOLDBERG in Sister Act
July 14, 2010
Hollywood star Whoopi Goldberg makes her West End debut in Sister Act
She starred in the original movie, she co-produced the West End show – and now Hollywood star Whoopi Goldberg will join the cast of SISTER ACT at the London Palladium.
It may only be for 23 performances, from 10 to 31 August 2010, but Whoopi will make her West End stage debut in the show that has proved a consistent winner for the star.
She won’t, however, be reprising her 1992 movie character Deloris van Cartier, the night club singer who is installed in a convent as part of a witness protection programme. Patina Miller will continue her successful run in that role, and Whoopi will take over from Sheila Hancock to play Mother Superior.
Whoopi ‘s film career includes winning an Oscar in1990 for her part in Ghost – a movie that is also set to be revived as a musical next year, directed by Matthew Warchus (La Bete, Deathtrap) and with a score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard.
The actress, singer-songwriter, political activist and talk show host is also well known for films The Color Purple, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Soapdish, her comedy stand-up work and her appearance on US TV’s The View.
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
Sister Act The Musical – Save £26
May 21, 2010
Save £26 on tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
Valid Monday to Friday performances until the 18th June (Excludes school holidays)
westendtheatre.com presents £26 off tickets to major musical SISTER ACT at the London Palladium.
This hugely enjoyable show stars award-winning actress and Over The Rainbow judge Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior and rising new star Patina Miller as Deloris – plus ex-Blue band member Simon Webbe will be joining the cast from 31 May.
The show has been hailed by critics as “glorious fun!” (The Daily Telegraph),”a divine all singing, all dancing musical comedy!” (Daily Express) and “Sister Act answered all my prayers and more!” (Daily Mail).
SISTER ACT features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and the genius behind many of the world famous songs from Disney’s movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long time collaborator, Glenn Slater. The book is by the award-winning team, Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers, and the production is directed by Peter Schneider.
MORE ABOUT SISTER ACT
When Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an up tight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood.
Sister Act is based on the smash-hit movie, and produced by the movie’s original star Whoopi Goldberg.
Daily Express 
DailyMail
Time Out 
The Telegraph
News of the World
Evening Standard
Book tickets to see Sister Act and save £26 on tickets
Valid Monday to Friday performances until the 18th June (Excludes school holidays)
PATINA MILLER in Sister Act
May 13, 2010
Patina Miller, star of Sister Act at the London Palladium
Patina Miller
Whoopi Goldberg may have made the role a worldwide hit, but no-one can out-sing Patina Miller, star of the stage version of the movie hit Sister Act.
Born in South Carolina, she spent her childhood performing in a local gospel choir at church before heading to New York and winning a part in iconic US soap All My Children. She went on to play the role of Dionne in the acclaimed Central Park stage production of Hair.
In 2008 she won the coveted role of Deloris Van Cartier in the multi-million pound production of Sister Act at the London Palladium, alongside Sheila Hancock.
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium in London
CASTING: Sister Act and Legally Blonde
April 23, 2010
It’s the great boy-band takeover of the West End as ex-Blue singer Simon Webbe and actor and pop singer Richard Fleeshman head to Theatreland.
Simon Webbe
Duncan James may be currently wowing them in Legally Blonde, but fellow Blue band mate Simon Webbe will be following in his footsteps later this year, by joining the cast of Sister Act at the London Palladium.
Webbe, who has appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and is also a singer-songwriter, manager and recording artist, has had a few acting parts over the last few years but nothing as big as a major role in a West End show. Previous acting credits include romantic-comedy The Truth About Love and British gangster movie Rollin’ With The Nines.
Also starring in Sister Act is Patina Miller and Over The Rainbow judge Sheila Hancock .
Richard Fleeshman
Talking of Duncan James, he’s off! James, who has starred in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre since its opening in January, will leave the show at the end of June.
His replacement in the role of Warner will be ex-Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman. Most recently in BBC drama All The Small Things, Fleeshman also has a singing career and has released a an album, won ITV show Soapstar Superstar and supported Elton John on his 2008 stadium tour.
Sheridan Smith will continue in the lead role of Elle Woods in the feel-good hit that is based on the successful film.
Hollywood stars up for awards
February 8, 2010
This year’s Olivier Award nominations were announced today, with Hollywood stars dominating the line up of talent.
Keira Knightley, James Earl Jones, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Gillian Anderson and Rachel Weisz are among the big name stars vying for Larry gongs.
Also this year plays continue to dominate the West End, reflected by the organiser’s decision to extend the Best Actor, Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Revival categories from five to six nominations.
Enron, six nominations
The main drama-producing houses reaped a number of nominations, notably the Royal Court, who picked up 15 nominations for four different productions – Jerusalem, Enron, The Priory and Cock. The Donmar Warehouse and National Theatre have also done well with 19 nominations between them for plays including the Donmar Warehouse production of Hamlet starring Jude Law, who was also nominated.
The Society of London Theatre, the organiser’s of the awards, have also added a new Audience Award to recognise long-running West End shows which opened before 2009, allowing Billy Elliot the Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, We Will Rock You and Wicked another crack at the whip.
Nominee Keira Knightley
In the acting categories, competition will be fierce. The Best Actor category includes James Earl Jones, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Mark Rylance, Ken Stott and Samuel West, whilst the Best Actress category features Gillian Anderson, Lorraine Burroughs, Imelda Staunton, Juliet Stevenson and Rachel Weisz. Keira Knightley (pictured) will compete with Hayley Atwell, Michelle Dockery, Alexandra Gilbreath, Rachael Stirling and Ruth Wilson for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Another closely contested category will be Best Revival, with Arcadia, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Misanthrope, A Streetcar Named Desire, A View From the Bridge and Three Days of Rain all up for the award.
In the musical categories, Spring Awakening leads with six nominations, followed by A Little Night Music with five, and Sister Act and Hello, Dolly!, both with four. Nominees include Rowan Atkinson for Oliver!, Sheila Hancock for Sister Act, Maureen Lipman for A Little Night Music and Melanie C for Blood Brothers.
Society of London Theatre President Nica Burns said: “In an outstanding year for drama, a whole new generation of playwrights step into the spotlight. Eight wonderful new plays – challenging, stimulating and inspiring – include two women in their twenties. Mirroring this, the voting for the best acting awards was so close that the nominations had to be increased, with some of the most exciting young acting talent around taking their place alongside some our most acclaimed screen stars. What a memorable year!”
The winners will be announced at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 21 March.
The list of nominees for the 2010 Olivier Awards in full:
BEST ACTRESS
Gillian Anderson for A DOLL’S HOUSE at the Donmar Warehouse
Lorraine Burroughs for THE MOUNTAINTOP at Trafalgar Studio 1
Imelda Staunton for ENTERTAINING MR SLOANE at Trafalgar Studio 1
Juliet Stevenson for DUET FOR ONE at the Almeida theatre and Vaudeville theatre
Rachel Weisz for A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at the Donmar Warehouse
BEST ACTOR
James Earl Jones for CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at the Novello theatre
Jude Law for HAMLET, Donmar at Wyndham’s theatre
James McAvoy for THREE DAYS OF RAIN at the Apollo theatre
Mark Rylance for JERUSALEM at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
Ken Stott for A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at the Duke of York’s theatre
Samuel West for ENRON at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Hayley Atwell for A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at the Duke of York’s theatre
Michelle Dockery for BURNT BY THE SUN at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
Alexandra Gilbreath for TWELFTH NIGHT at the Duke of York’s theatre
Keira Knightley for THE MISANTHROPE at the Comedy theatre
Rachael Stirling for THE PRIORY at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
Ruth Wilson for A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at the Donmar Warehouse
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Mackenzie Crook for JERUSALEM at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
Rory Kinnear for BURNT BY THE SUN at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
Tim Pigott-Smith for ENRON at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
Eddie Redmayne for RED at the Donmar Warehouse
BEST NEW PLAY
ENRON by Lucy Prebble at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
JERUSALEM by Jez Butterworth at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall at Trafalgar Studio 1
RED by John Logan at the Donmar Warehouse
BEST NEW COMEDY
CALENDAR GIRLS by Tim Firth at the Noël Coward theatre
ENGLAND PEOPLE VERY NICE by Richard Bean at the National Theatre, Olivier
PARLOUR SONG by Jez Butterworth at the Almeida theatre
THE PRIORY by Michael Wynne at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL
Irving Berlin’s ANNIE GET YOUR GUN music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields, at the Young Vic
HELLO DOLLY! book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on the play ‘The Matchmaker’ by Thornton Wilder, at the Open Air theatre
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, suggested by a film by Ingmar Bergman, originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, at the Garrick theatre
Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! based on the original production by Sam Mendes, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
BEST NEW MUSICAL
DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS book by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, at the Savoy theatre
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT – THE MUSICAL book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, based on the Latent Image/Specific Films motion picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., at the Palace theatre
SPRING AWAKENING music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, based on the play by Frank Wedekind, at the Novello theatre
SISTER ACT music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, at the London Palladium
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
ARTURO BRACHETTI: CHANGE written and directed by Sean Foley, original concept by Serge Denoncourt, based on the repertoire of Arturo Brachetti, at the Garrick theatre
DERREN BROWN: ENIGMA written by Derren Brown and Andy Nyman, at the Adelphi theatre
MORECAMBE by Tim Whitnall, at the Duchess theatre
BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR ENTERTAINMENT
Melanie C for BLOOD BROTHERS at the Phoenix theatre
Patina Miller for SISTER ACT at the London Palladium
Samantha Spiro for HELLO DOLLY! at the Open Air theatre
Hannah Waddingham for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Garrick theatre
Charlotte Wakefield for SPRING AWAKENING at the Novello theatre
BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL OR ENTERTAINMENT
Rowan Atkinson for OLIVER! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Aneurin Barnard for SPRING AWAKENING at the Novello theatre
Bob Golding for MORECAMBE at the Duchess theatre
Alexander Hanson for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Garrick theatre
Tony Sheldon for PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT – THE MUSICAL at the Palace theatre
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL OR ENTERTAINMENT
Sheila Hancock for SISTER ACT at the London Palladium
Maureen Lipman for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Garrick theatre
Kelly Price for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Garrick theatre
Iwan Rheon for SPRING AWAKENING at the Novello theatre
BEST DIRECTOR
Rupert Goold for ENRON at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
Michael Grandage for HAMLET, Donmar at Wyndham’s theatre
Lindsay Posner for A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at the Duke of York’s theatre
Ian Rickson for JERUSALEM at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
Bijan Sheibani for OUR CLASS at the National Theatre, Cottesloe
BEST REVIVAL
ARCADIA directed by David Leveaux at the Duke of York’s theatre
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF directed by Debbie Allen at the Novello theatre
THE MISANTHROPE directed by Thea Sharrock at the Comedy theatre
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE directed by Rob Ashford at the Donmar Warehouse
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE directed by Lindsay Posner at the Duke of York’s theatre
THREE DAYS OF RAIN directed by Jamie Lloyd at the Apollo theatre
BEST THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHER
Matthew Bourne for OLIVER! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Bill T Jones for SPRING AWAKENING at the Novello theatre
Anthony Van Laast for SISTER ACT at the London Palladium
Stephen Mear for HELLO DOLLY! at the Open Air theatre
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
BURNT BY THE SUN designed by Mark Henderson at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
ENRON designed by Mark Henderson the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
SPRING AWAKENING designed by Kevin Adams at the Novello theatre
THREE DAYS OF RAIN designed by Jon Clark at the Apollo theatre
BEST SET DESIGN
ENGLAND PEOPLE VERY NICE designed by Mark Thompson with animation by Pete Bishop at the National Theatre, Olivier
ENRON designed by Anthony Ward at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Noël Coward theatre
JERUSALEM designed by Ultz at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
RED designed by Christopher Oram at the Donmar Warehouse
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
HELLO DOLLY! designed by Peter McKintosh at the Open Air theatre
MADAME DE SADE designed by Christopher Oram, Donmar at Wyndham’s theatre
THE MISANTHROPE designed by Amy Roberts at the Comedy theatre
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT- THE MUSICAL designed by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner at the Palace theatre
BEST SOUND DESIGN
EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR designed by Christopher Shutt at the National Theatre, Olivier
JERUSALEM designed by Ian Dickinson for Autograph at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo theatre
MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN designed by Andrew Bruce and Nick Lidster for Autograph at the National Theatre, Olivier
SPRING AWAKENING designed by Brian Ronan at the Novello theatre
THE AUDIENCE AWARD FOR MOST POPULAR SHOW
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL music by Elton John, books and lyrics by Lee Hall at the Victoria Palace
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA music and book by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, book and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe at His Majesty’s theatre
WAR HORSE based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford at the New London theatre
WE WILL ROCK YOU based on the songs of Queen, by Ben Elton in collaboration with Brian May and Roger Taylor at the Dominion theatre
WICKED music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman at the Apollo Victoria theatre
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN AFFILIATE THEATRE
Soho Theatre/ Tiata Fahodzi for IYA ILE (THE FIRST WIFE)
The Tricycle Theatre for THE GREAT GAME
The Royal Court for COCK at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
BEST NEW OPERA PRODUCTION
The Royal Opera’s DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera’s LULU at the Royal Opera House
English National Opera’s PETER GRIMES at the London Coliseum
The Royal Opera’s TRISTAN UND ISOLDE at the Royal Opera House
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA
Anja Kampe for her performance in the Royal Opera’s DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER at the Royal Opera House
Stuart Skelton for his performance in English National Opera’s PETER GRIMES at the London Coliseum
Nina Steme for her performance in the Royal Opera’s TRISTAN UND ISOLDE at the Royal Opera House
Michael Volle for his performances in the Royal Opera’s LULU and TRISTAN AND ISOLDE at the Royal Opera House
BEST NEW DANCE PRODUCTION
Russell Maliphant’s AFTERLIGHT at Sadler’s Wells
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s E=MC² at Sadler’s Wells
The Brandstrup – Rojo project’s GOLDBERG at the Royal Opera House
Rambert Dance Company’s A LINHA CURVA at Sadler’s Wells
Fabulous Beast Dance’s THE RITE OF SPRING at the London Coliseum
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE
Colin Dunne for his performance in OUT OF TIME at The Barbican Pit
Michael Hulls for his lighting designs for Russell Maliphant’s TWO:FOUR:TEN at the London Coliseum; and for Russell Maliphant’s AFTERLIGHT and for Ex Machina & Sylvie Guillem’s EONNAGATA at Sadler’s Wells
Rambert Dance Company for an outstanding year of new work
Sister Act – Round-up of Reviews
September 9, 2009
A summary of Sister Act reviews
- Charles Spencer – The Telegraph:4/5
- Fiona Mountford – Evening Standard:4/5
- Michael Coveney – The Independent:3/5
- Maxie Szalwinska – The Sunday Times:3/5
- Benedict Nightingale – The Times: 3/5
- Michael Billington – The Guardian: 2/5
- Quentin Letts – Daily Mail: 2/5
Reviews were mixed for major new musical Sister Act at the London Palladium when it opened last week. Some of the big hitters such as Charles Spencer of the Telegraph and Fiona Mountford of the Evening Standard loved the show, whilst others were more reserved.
Based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, who is an exec producer on the new stage show, the musical premiered at the Palladium with a performer dressed as a nun abseiling down the side of the theatre and a celebrity filled audience, including Goldberg.
The musical stars West End newcomer Patina Miller as cabaret singer Delores and Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior.
Review of the reviews – Opening Thoughts
OB: “This summer’s feelgood night out in London”
GU: “What we have here is a show that feels less like a personally driven work of art than a commercial exploitation of an existing franchise”
TE: “Sister Act proves more enjoyable on stage than it did on film… Frankly, what’s not to like, especially when you’ve got a chorus line of jiving nuns singing their hearts out ecstatically?”
VA: “Shamelessly and irresistibly entertaining”
DM: “Call me a miserable old monk, but I hated Sister Act”
ES: “Whether or not divine intervention is involved, it’s a wimple-wibbling, habit-forming triumph”
IN: “There’s no such thing as restraint anywhere in Peter Schneider’s production”
ST: “It’s safe to say the stage show trumps the film – at least for aficionados of serious kitsch”
TI: “A rather sweet, sentimental film has been hyped up, coarsened, given… the big, brash Broadway treatment”
The Story / Book
OB: “It’s not the most original story in the world”
GU: “In order to pad out a slight story, every key member of the cast also has to be given a number. As a result, the plot grinds to a halt…”
TE: “The book, by Cheers writers Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, is strong, funny and touching”
DM: “I know I may be taking it too seriously, but I found myself recoiling sharply from this story’s saccharine values and its bullying gaiety”
Patina Miller
OB: “[Her] sheer sexy singing vim leaves the film’s star, Whoopi Goldberg, looking retrospectively miscast”
GU: “Patina Miller invests Deloris with a wealth of raucous energy and just about convinces in her conversion from fame-seeking individualist to member of the singing sorority”
TE: “The show’s real find… she has all the comic vitality of Whoopi Goldberg in the film, but she’s sexier and sings up a storm”
VA: “Sassier, snappier and younger… Miller’s powerhouse vocals, pitched somewhere between Gloria Gaynor and Whitney Houston, and her thrillingly fast vibrato act as the show’s engine”
DM: “After an off-key start, shows herself to have a cheesy presence and a Merlin engine of a voice”
ES: “There can be no disputing the evening’s main draw: 24-year-old Miller… her magnificent voice is rich, soaring and, crucially, unflagging. She might have been unknown last night, but today all that will have changed”
IN: “This unknown 24-year-old from South Carolina is the real deal, a genuine new star, oozing confidence and sex appeal like it was going out of fashion”
ST: “Less brash than Goldberg, but pretty fabulous nonetheless”
TI: ”Patina Miller, is the show’s great plus”
Sheila Hancock
OB: “Sheila Hancock and Claire Greenway, as the Mother Superior and the tubby ingenue nun, offer sidespreads of delight and razor-sharp timing”
GU: “Lends the show some needed gravitas”
TE: “A warmer but no less winning performance”
VA: ”One of the U.K.’s best-loved actors, does droll like no one else”
DM: “On fine form”
ES: “Delightfully droll”
The Music
OB: “Don’t expect the Motown hits of the film; we have a set of new disco inventions, which mostly work”
GU: “Alan Menken’s music admittedly has a pounding effectiveness”
TE: “The disco-inspired score… is a cracker”
VA: “Alan Menken’s new score (aside from the ballads) says goodbye Motown, hello disco… But the problem with pastiche is that it irons out a composer’s individual voice”
ES: “Attractive, gospel-inflected score”
IN: “There’s nothing really refreshingly new here even if you might feel like brushing down your John Travolta poses when you get home”
ST: “Is at its best when tipping its hat to 1970s tunes”
TI: “There’s less deft comedy, but much more music, most of it indebted to the 1970s, where the action is now set. That lets Alan Menken, the composer, have a lot of catchy fun with period rock and disco”
Staging & Direction
OB: “What transforms this… are the sets (Klara Zieglerova), which ravish the eye and dance with glee”
GU: “Everything is coarsely overstated”
TE: “Pacy direction by former Disney executive Peter Schneider”
VA: “Peter Schneider’s extremely well-cast production is enshrined in sets that create little atmosphere”
TI: “The film’s point was that Deloris liberates the nuns’ voices while they liberate her spirit… But there’s no gentle piety here. If Deloris liberates the sisters, it’s for roles in A Chorus Line”
The Last Word
OB: “If you can smother quibbles about the daft story… and if, crucially, you like to save up for big-budget musical spectaculars, this is your night this summer”
GU: “All too typically the nuns, in Anthony van Laast’s choreography, kick up their heels like the Rockettes and prance around in gilt vestments that might be described as surplice to requirements”
TE: “I suspect this musical comedy about a nun on the run could prove habit-forming”
VA: “Is “Sister Act” great theatrical art? No. Is it hit entertainment? Oh, yes”
DM: “Hold on to your wimples”
ES: “Take it away, sisters”
IN: “It’s show time, not musical theatre magic”
ST: “With its lashings of glitter, such is its assault on reticence (and our retinas), the show occasionally has you longing for a spell of calm contemplation, perhaps a vow of silence”
TI: “Patina Miller display the first of her star qualities, a terrific voice. Add warmth, humour, vivacity – and you’ve a star who lacks Whoopi’s wry vulnerability but adds dazzle to the razzle around her”
Book tickets to see Sister Act at the London Palladium
Special Offer: Book top price tickets and enjoy a FREE DINNER at a West End restauarant
KEY TO REVIEWS:
OB: The Observer Sister Act review by Euan Ferguson
TI: The Times Sister Act review by Benedict Nightingale
ST:The Sunday Times Sister Act review by Maxie Szalwinska
IN: The Independent Sister Act review by Michael Coveney
ES: Evening Standard Sister Act review by Fiona Mountford
DM: Daily Mail Sister Act review by Quentin Letts
VA: Variety Sister Act review by David Benedict
GU: The Guardian Sister Act review by Michael Billington
TE: The Telegraph Sister Act Review by Charles Spencer
Sister Act – Save £20
August 16, 2009
Save £20 on tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
westendtheatre.com presents £20 off tickets to major new musical SISTER ACT at the London Palladium.
The show, starring award-winning actress Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior and rising new star Patina Miller as Deloris, hsa been hailed by critics as “glorious fun!” (The Daily Telegraph),”a divine all singing, all dancing musical comedy!” (Daily Express) and “Sister Act answered all my prayers and more!” (Daily Mail).
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
More about Sister Act
When Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an up tight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir Deloris breaths new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood. Based on the smash-hit movie, Sister Act features a brand new score by 8 time Oscar winner Alan Menken whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and most recently the hit movie Enchanted. Produced by the movie’s original star Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act stars award-winning actress Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior and rising new star Patina Miller as Deloris.
Book tickets to Sister Act at the London Palladium
Sister Act – round up of reviews
