Seaford Scene August 2019

Seaford Musical Theatre
Sister Act Review
Oh. My. God. Having hugely enjoyed the film version
of Sister Act I came to the Barn Theatre fully prepared
for Seaford’s interpretation of the stage musical to
disappoint. I mean, how could anyone match the vigour
of Whoopi Goldberg? But Donna Bull in her role as
Deloris Van Cartier was compelling from her entrance
as a nightclub singer and girlfriend of its evil owner
Curtis, to final curtain as the woman who had come to
see that the virtue of the nuns and their convent church
were worth singing for.
Her strong, rich voice and dramatic skills led a cast that
brimmed with individual talent, both the spoken and the
vocal parts displaying a range of emotions from humour
to wisdom. Kate Long as Mother Superior was excellent,
imbuing the character with sincerity, steadfastness and
that old-fashioned but welcome theatrical quality, superb
diction. Monique Loosemore as the young, uncertain
Sister Mary Robert, was both fun and sweetly wistful,
Darrelle Gray as the outspoken Sister Mary Patrick was
flower festival
at St Leonard’s Church
We are holding another Flower Festival
at St Leonard’s Church, opposite the
Post Office in Church Street, Seaford,
from 20th - 23rd September.
Some 27 flower arrangements on the theme of
‘called to serve’ will depict various trades and
professions from Artist to Undertaker.
Open Friday, Saturday and Monday from
10am to 5pm and on Sunday from midday until
5.30pm, after which there will be a choral evensong
service at 6pm. All are welcome!
Donations and money raised will go towards
maintaining this historical landmark in Seaford’s
town centre and for the work of the church in
the community.
very amusing and Sue James as Sister Mary Lazarus, the
inept choir mistress, was in splendid form, along with
fellow nuns played by Stephanie Verrall and Cath Brooks.
Steve Llewelyn held the stage as Monsignor O’Hara
and, as Curtis, James Gibbs was the archetypal gangster.
Of his trio of sidekicks, Jack Poulton as nephew TJ
showed great comic talent, as did John Tester (Joey) who
brought the house down just by removing his shirt, and
Panos Christofi (Pablo). As Eddie, the policeman who
persuaded Deloris to enter the convent after Curtis had
shot his informant chauffeur Ernie (Steve Frost), Dan
Kerry was both funny and believable.
Part of the story concerns how Deloris transforms
the frankly ropey and off-key nuns’ choir into beautiful
sound capable of attracting money to prevent the
church being sold, and the results were a delight to hear,
particularly in Spread the Love Around, the song they
sang for the Pope.
And speaking of the Pope, it is notable how hard
everyone in the production had to work. Ensemble
member Graham Tubb, for example, had three parts,
also being a pressman and a female prostitute, and
rumour has it that he was also prompt although I don’t
recall hearing his voice behind scenes. Bull had great
support from the exuberant Tori Blackwell and Luisa
Deluca as her backing singers and all credit must go to
Tubb’s fellow ensemble players Emily Blake, Joanna Salter,
Josie Puttock-West, Andrea Mallord, Carole Blain and
Zack Frenir.
The costumes deserve a separate review of their
own for all their glittering sparkle, and the band
complimented the vocals with verve, so thanks musical
director Russell Taylor (keyboard), Andy Ingram
(keyboard), Alex Harrington (percussion), Andy Harsant
(bass), Steve Morris (trumpet), Perry Webber (sax and
clarinet) and Simon Underwood (guitar).
This production necessitated a large cast and several set
changes which all had to be managed on a small stage,
and director and set designer Tony Betts contrived an
ingenious, often hysterically funny and heart-warming
production, helped in particular by choreographer Stuart
Hall and lighting guru Dave Rogers. The coordination
and pace were terrific and the first night audience was
ecstatic. And no wonder because the energy on and off
stage was electric. Simply divine darling!
Andrea Hargreaves
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