Sister Act

Walmsley AODS offered up the musical adaptation of the cult 90s classic, Sister Act. The action opened on a striking backdrop of stained-glass arches, brilliantly framing the stage and creating an effective fixed set throughout the narrative. Nathan Emmison’s lighting complemented the stage, with striking colour combinations. Music was provided via backing tracks and there was a great balance of sound from Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Costumes were striking and perfectly fit the 1970s disco-inspired era, bringing lots of glitz and colour to the proceedings.

Musical Director Cath Hilton had clearly well-rehearsed the company, as the vocals were fantastic, and especially from the company of nuns, who created fabulous harmonies and a ‘joyful noise’ throughout! As the show is set during the 1970s, and very much in the disco era, Lara Syddall’s choreography was perfectly matched, complete with fun and fantastic energy. The big company numbers were filled with unison motifs, which were really striking. It was clear that each member of the cast was having a great time and really giving all their energy and enthusiasm; especially the most ‘snake-hipped’ Monsignor I have ever seen…great fun!

Nora Howcroft’s direction really brought out the best in each character and there was great passion from every company member, with a fantastic array of expressions on show throughout. Nora had really endeavoured to squeeze very moment of comedy from the script, much to the audience’s delight and reaction.

Joshua Clyton-Heal gave a surefire performance as Deloris’ menacing love interest Curtis, with a surly demeanour and brilliant vocals in his number. He was ably assisted, or not, as the case may be, by his fumbling henchmen, Matthew Shallicker, Alan Moss, Andrew Turton, David Perks and David Witt as TJ, Joey, Pablo, Knuckles and Ernie respectively. The comical gangsters were clearly enjoying their quest to seek out Deloris and providing some nice comical moments. As righteous Mother Superior, Vicki Wilson gave an impressive performance as the stern faced, and put upon leader of the convent. Vicki’s comical timing, delivery and expressions were spot on, with beautiful vocals to boot. David Wilson also provided lots of comedy with his energetic and charismatic monsignor, with a terrific Irish accent too.

As old school pal, turned upstanding cop, ‘Sweaty’ Eddie, Oliver Hall was great as Deloris’ protector and secret admirer, bringing some nice comical moments and showcasing brilliant moves and vocals in his number. Of the convent of sisters, Jo Whitaker was a strong presence in the role of Mary Lazarus, delivering some brilliant one-liners and showing off her best rap skills. While as the nervous Mary Robert, Catherine Hall was suitably shy and in fine voice, delivering a moving performance. All credit must go to Lindsay Farnworth, whose energy as Mary Patrick knew no bounds. Lindsay fully embraced the quirky character and delivered vocals, dialogue and choreography with aplomb…Bravo! As the unexpected star turned sister, Deloris, leading lady Olivia O’Connell was indeed a fabulous presence. Olivia brought great energy and enthusiasm to the role and showcased powerful and stunning vocals throughout, which was certainly no mean feat with all the huge numbers she had to tackle. Bravo and congratulations on a fantastic performance. The company of nuns were full of joy and enthusiasm, complementing and supporting the lead performers well; which was apparent throughout and certainly impacted on the elated audience who laughed, clapped and bobbed along all through the show.

Congratulations on a fun and feel-good frolic and it was lovely to see a capacity audience on an opening night!

Thank you for your lovely hospitality as always.

Matthew Gavin

What an absolute joy it was to attend the Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society production of Sister Act, an unforgettable night of musical theatre right here in Bolton! Brilliantly directed and cast by Nora Howcroft and her fantastic team, the show was bursting with energy, heart, and humour from start to finish.

Olivia O’Connell as Deloris and Vicki Wilson as Mother Superior absolutely knocked it out of the park as the female leads, West End worthy in my humble opinion, but also the stars of the night were the incredible female ensemble.

Catherine Hall shone as Sister Mary Roberts, Lindsay Farnworth lit up the stage as the joyful Sister Mary Patrick, and Jo Whitaker gave a heart-warming and hilarious performance as Sister Mary Lazarus. Their chemistry and commitment were a joy to watch.

On the men’s side, stalwart Joshua Clayton-Heal sang his socks off as Curtis, but the standout male vocal performance, again in my humble opinion, came from Oliver Hall as “Sweaty Eddie”, simply breathtaking.

A special mention also goes to young Matthew Shallicker, who played T.J. with great energy and comic timing. It’s been a pleasure to watch him grow as an actor every time we see him.

The girls may have stolen the show, though, to be fair, it was Sister Act, but the entire cast delivered a performance that was both uplifting and unforgettable.

We left with full hearts and huge smiles, and that’s exactly what musical theatre is all about.

A huge well done to everyone involved. Bolton is bursting with talent, and this production proved it once again.

Andy Morgan, Mayor

Walmsley Church AODS take on the stage musical Sister Act based on the film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. Sister Act explores sisterhood in more ways than one and a coming together through music. It’s a very empowering show for women. When it opened in California in 2006 it broke box office records. Whilst some do critique the plot, it cannot be denied that this is a feelgood musical and it has proven itself around the world. Music by Alan Menkin, Lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner.

The composite set walking into the auditorium had a cloth drawn a quarter way back on the stage with the three microphones in front Centre Stage. Stage Left was the police station with a period telephone. Two chairs and a window with wanted posters stuck on. Stage Right was a wooden confessional type box with arch and seats sectioned into two. Projected onto the curtain was ‘Philadelphia Night Club’. Off centre to the right was a table with chairs and a large gift box on top. The main stage when the curtain went back was arch scenery going all the way to the back to look like a stained-glass windows which was very effective. Various items of scenery were then brought on to set the scene: bed, jukebox, benches, tables and piano. Projection was then used to highlight the scenes. Stage Manager John West, Crew - Anne Cocking, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West, Janet Witt and Nora Howcroft. Props all helped bring the show to life. Properties by Anne Cocking, John Cocking, David Witt and Janet Witt. Sound was unobtrusive as it should be and the backing tracks all added to the feel and flow. Sound Lea Royse & Elodie Perrier. Lighting by Nathan Emmison. Wardrobe was by Lara Syddall and Nora Howcroft. Lara Syddall was also the choreographer and must have had great fun with the cast especially the Ensemble numbers.

Musical Director Cath Hilton did a great job and the audience loved it, I was certainly foot tapping. Nora Howcroft directs, saying it’s one of the most joyous musical scores and I agree.

With the thirty-strong cast I must say the Ensemble worked really hard and there were some fabulous numbers performed with great harmonies and all having a character as their respective nun.

The bad boys or should I say men were Alan Moss playing Joey, Andrew Turton playing Pablo, David Perks playing Knuckles and the inexperienced gangster who is only there because he is the boss’ nephew was T.J Played by Matthew Shallicker. Their incompetence knew no bounds much to the annoyance of Curtis. I have to say Lady In The Long Black Dress was hilarious with them all coming forward and singing about how they would woo. Alan on the floor so funny. Curtis was played menacingly by Joshua Clayton-Heal and was thwarted at every turn.

Sister Mary Lazarus played by Jo Whitaker had great energy and loved the rapping. David Wilson takes on Monsignor O’Hara complete with Irish accent and he certainly brought out the fun, comedy and cheekiness, thwarting Mother Superior played by Vicki Wilson - very proper and at her wits end with Deloris and the disruption she brought. Vicki brought some very superior looks which added to the comedy and delivered some great one-liners. Here Within These Walls and I Haven’t Got A Prayer were interpreted so well (I will just say shaving – inspired – Vicki working that really smoothly!).

Sister Mary Robert was played by Catherine Hall. Great character and journey coming out of her shyness and blossoming. The Life I Never Led said it all and great voice. Lindsay Farnworth as Sister Mary Patrick was a delight with so much energy - I was exhausted watching her - just right! Oliver Hall playing Eddie - we watched his love grow for Deloris, suitably a-stumbling and a-bumbling – great work! I Could Be That Guy with not one but two costume reveals on stage. Oliver did a great job and gorgeous voice too. He was that guy.

Last but not least was the protagonist Deloris Van Cartier with Olivia O’Connell taking on the lead role of the mouthy lounge singer who has to hide in protection in a convent - it’s not certain who is most shocked - Mother Superior or her. Deloris finds herself in the most unlikely place and Olivia really took the role to town. Her energy and voice - in fact I will call her The Voice shone through - fabulous baby!

Walmsley Church cast and committee must be delighted with this show and the feelgood factor it brought. Thank you from my guest Ursula and I for the invite and hospitality.

Liz Hume-Dawson