Great night out: Guaranteed
Morning after effect: Saying your Hail Mary's before breaking into song!
Recommend to friends: Without a doubt!
See again: Definitely
Best bit: Sweaty Eddie's song "I could be that guy"

 

It was an amazing night at the theatre; a full house, standing ovation and overall a fun, slick and entertaining musical with a lot of heart.

Based on the smash hit film Sister Act, Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment bring a fresh rendition to The London Palladium. Sister Act has gone through a few changes and has been recreated for this production. The action has been moved from 1990's Reno and San Francisco to 1970's Philadelphia, allowing Glenn Slater and Alan Menken's score to acquire an authentic disco flavour.

Stepping into Whoopi Golberg's high heels, Patina Miller plays the role of Deloris Van Cartier, she gave an outstanding performance alongside Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior. With an entourage of glittering nuns they really raised the roof. Other favourites were Sister Mary Lazarus (played by Julia Sutton) who had the audience in hysterics and Sister Mary Patrick (played by Claire Greenway).

Don't be too disappointed that you won't be able to sing along to 'Aint' No Mountain High Enough' and other signature tunes from the film (these had to be dropped due to licensing being withheld). The new sensational score by Alan Menken has more than made up for this. Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and composer is renowned for world famous songs for Disney's movies teams up with his long- time collaborator Glenn Slater (lyrics).

Favourites were definitely 'Raise Your Voice' which is all about how each nun got the call. 'Here within these walls' is a striking number.

The set design and technology was impressive. The set transformed seamlessly, almost miraculously from one set to the next. The Abbey set has some amazing perspective play as well as some impressive stain glass windows. The costumes were fantastic, expect more than black and white habits from these glam nuns.

Sister Act was fast paced; my only negative about the show is that the story line was a little rushed in some parts of Act 2. That being said the audience evidently thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this divine new Musical Comedy.

Audience
Children aged 5 and over will be admitted to the theatre. Regrettably no babies and toddlers will be admitted to the Palladium Theatre.

Theatre Advice
The London Palladium was designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Marcham in 1910. It is one of the most famous of London's West End theatres and also one of London's largest, boasting 2286 seats.

Due to a high stage the view is restricted from rows A to C in the Stalls for most children and shorter adults. Avoid rows B to D in the upper circle as a thick metal bar runs across the front of the circle restricting ones view.

It is worth having a look at the great display of all the famous names to have performed on the Palladium stage. This is situated in the corridor leading to the advance box office.

There are three bars; Stalls, Royal Circle and Upper Circle.