If you're looking for a fun and uplifting night out, look no further than Sister Act the Musical, currently being performed at the Peterborough Cathedral.
Fresh from the success of Shrek and Elf, PODS are back and raising their voices with a fabulous performance of the hit show, based on the popular 1992 film of the same name.
The story focuses on Deloris Van Cartier (Luci Collins), a nightclub singer who’s placed in protective custody at the one place she will surely be safe... a convent! As she navigates her way through the unfamiliar environment, she clashes with the strict Mother Superior.
However, Deloris discovers that her exceptional singing skills can revitalize the choir and motivate her fellow sisters. As she brings a fresh perspective to the church, she risks exposing her true identity and jeopardizing her safety. Will Deloris go too far in her quest to breathe new life into the convent?
The performances in this production are outstanding, with the entire cast seeming as though they'd come straight from the West End.
The songs are great – unsurprising given that they come courtesy of eight-time Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and The Beast). Stand out hits included Take Me to Heaven and Spread the Love Around, with the grand venue providing acoustics that'll give you goosebumps.
For me, a solo from Sister Mary Robert (Beci Piggott) was the highlight of the night. As she sung The Life I Never Led so beautifully with such a breathtaking backdrop, I realised in that moment that this was much more than a show... it was an experience.
It's not every day you get to see something like this in an actual cathedral. It's an absolutely stunning venue, with its soaring architecture and beautiful stained glass windows providing the perfect ambience to a show that could not be more apt. The use of the space is creative and imaginative, with the stage being set up in a way that makes the most of the Cathedral's unique features.
Had Sister Act the Musical been performed at one of our many great theatres, I'd have walked away more than satisfied. With Peterborough Cathedral thrown into the mix, I was simply blown away.
If there are any tickets left, I highly recommend getting one.
Mike Clarke
Performance times:
Thursday 1st June 2023, 7.30pm
Friday 2nd June 2023, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Saturday 3rd June 2023, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets:
Seats are numbered, with some ground level and some tiered seating.
Adults £21.50 per person + booking fee
Concessions (under 18s and over 65s) £19.50 per person + booking fee.