Newbury’s YoungStars pull off a sassy Sister Act

Newbury YoungStars: Sister Act Jr

at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore

On March 28 and 29

Review by CATRIONA REEVES

SISTER Act Jr is a reviewer’s nightmare. Not only are the majority of the cast tightly encased in wimples that make it hard to tell which nun is which, but every single one of them is called Sister Mary Something-or-other. Apart from the Mother Superior, but I bet her name is Mary as well. Not that I’d dare ask her. She’s terrifying.

Anyway, fortunately in every other way, Newbury YoungStars’ production of Sister Act Jr is a reviewer’s dream.

A great choice of musical for any female-heavy cast – probably why it has also been performed in recent weeks by both St Gabriel’s School and Kings Performing Arts College – the show is full of sassy strong women, wit, and a church roof-raising disco soundtrack.

Newbury YoungStars once again pulled a blinder with their production, from the stunning stained glass flats and great choreography and sound, to fully committed performances by each of the many Marys, delightful little choristers, and each of the equally hapless gangsters and good guys who pop along to give the story a touch of jeopardy (other than the leaky church roof).

Leading the singing sisters as wisecracking disco diva-turned undercover nun Deloris was Grace Neale, who brought every decibel of her stunning, powerful voice to the role, balanced by the stern but tuneful Mother Superior (Amelie Percy), and the many, many Marys (Jessica Neale, Izzy Rands, Elle Bright, Amy and Lucy Oliver, Tilly Seamons, Ella Burroughs and Suraiya Sheikh), each of whom got their moment in the spotlight as they transformed from discordant rabble to angelic choir and showed hints of the hopes and dreams hidden by their veils.

Representing for the boys were Charlie Bright as crime boss Curtis whose threatening demeanour belied his stature, upbeat Monsignor O’Hara played by Danny Manzenda Swann, and honorary boy Darcey Herdman, who brought a loveable pathos to the part of drippy police detective ‘Sweaty’ Eddie.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Newbury YoungStars continues to conjure up high quality productions that give young performers aged nine to 16 the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of live performance and musical theatre.

With its productions bringing such pleasure to both cast and audience, let’s hope its future shines even longer and brighter than its past.