It's finally time to raise your hands, get clapping and sing along with the cast of Sister Act as this feel-good musical starts its run at Peterborough Cathedral.
Peterborough is blessed with some talented theatre groups who might be classed as amateur but put on a truly professional performance.
Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society – better known as PODS – is one of them, and we’ve seen many of their highly polished shows.
Shows like Hairspray, Chitty Chitty Bang Bag and Shrek have all been brilliant so we can’t wait to see what they do with Sister Act the Musical. Especially as it’s in the perfect setting of Peterborough Cathedral.
Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg it’s a feel good story that follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier as she is placed in protective custody in the one place she is sure to be safe… a convent! Whilst finding herself at odds with the strict Mother Superior, she uses her singing talents to uplift the choir and inspire her sisters. Bringing new life into the church, will she take it too far and blow her cover?
Georgia Barks from PODS told ESP although the Cathedral has held small concerts in the past, this will be the first full-scale musical to be put on there.
“We will be building a stage, tiered seating, creating a front-of-house space and setting up lighting fixtures that the cathedral doesn't ordinarily have,” explains Georgia.
If you see the show and it ignites your interest in getting involved in some way, Georgia says they’d love to hear from you.
“As long as they have a love for theatre and performing that's all that matters, everyone brings something unique to the society and we all have different backgrounds. We also have non-acting members within the society, who aren't on stage but help at rehearsals and backstage during show week.”
There will also be some extra special participants in this production too.
“Our Director Hannah Joy Ogden was very clear from the beginning that she wanted this show to be inclusive for all members to be involved, so some of our life members and patrons will be joining us on stage. Some of these people have been members at PODS since the 60s and have not been on stage for a number of years. Our oldest cast member on stage is 88 and fabulous!”
Sister Act the Musical is being staged from May 31 – June 3.
For tickets visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/events/events