SISTER Act, the musical comedy by CentreStage Cymru, opened at the Dolman Theatre to a packed-out house last night and finished to a standing ovation from a cheering audience. 

Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, it tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring singer who, after witnessing a murder, is forced to go into protective custody and take shelter with the nuns in a convent. 

What follows is a hilarious journey of friendship and self-discovery through the power of music and dance, displayed by an array of dazzling colours and uplifting live music.

Deloris, played by Emily Hawkins in her first leading role, belted out her numbers, her performance displaying the right amount of attitude and sassiness to contrast beautifully against the wonderfully uptight Mother Superior (Ciara Doyle); her fellow nuns (sadly too many to name), danced and sang their way enthusiastically through the show, with some moves being busted out generating hysterics in the audience. 

Further comedy came in the form of the gangsters, Curtis (Joseph Gibson), Joey (Jordan Leigh), TJ (Chris Davis) and Pablo (Jordan Archer), resplendent in their seventies costumes of wigs, bad suits and platform boots. 

Sister Mary Roberts (Geri McNamara) also deserves a mention for her touching rendition of The Life I Never Led

There is certainly some emergent talent to be seen in this cast. 

A thoroughly entertaining feel-good show!

Julie Benson