DESPITE suffering a very serious and incapacitating flare up of gout in my right ankle I decided that missing the opening of director David Kirk’s ‘Sister Act’ was simply unthinkable. And so I crawled on hands and knees through the Guiseley Theatre’s back door, announcing my ailment to surprised cast members whilst confirming that I was to be the reviewer for the evening. I had entered the kitchen area and was rather surprised to find a nun making a cup of tea! My predicament received immediate priority as the theatre president took charge and produced a wheelchair! I was pushed into the main foyer and parked by the bottom of the stairs. I was then forced to realise that I had indeed reached a time in my life where I actually needed a damned stairlift! and so I slowly ascended up toward the stage area caringly attended by an entourage of concerned theatre staff. The stairlift proved itself both a convenient and worthy invention!

Today I was indeed disabled. The Guiseley Theatre had without doubt proved itself to be fully accessible for disabled people. Bravo!

After being returned to the wheelchair I was shown into the main theatre just as the lights went down. The show began and it was a welcome distraction from the agony I was in.

I was immediately impressed by the powerful presence of Monique Slattery bringing to life ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ as she auditions her act for boyfriend and gangster club owner ‘Curtis’, played very smoothly by Rob Edwards. The timing and delivery of this opening scene was sublime and recruited my joyful approval immediately! My senses were instantly fed with an abundance of glitz! The vocal performance delivered by Monique and her girly backing group was truly something wonderful! As the scene developed from song to dialogue my monstrous ankle faded into unimportance as the light hearted one liners began to roll, allowing me opportunity to laugh heartily.

The program describes this cast as ‘amateur’ dramatics however I failed to justify this description. This cast and production team were clearly very professional to my eyes. Amy Horton Atkinsons Choreography provided a genuine visual feast. The dance moves were sharp and polished whilst wonderfully accompanied by Ian Sapiro’s ensemble. The combination of music and movement were well developed and delivered superior artistry. As a music producer I truly appreciated the high level of musicianship delivered by these very talented players. The aspect of the music all being played live really added to this experience for me. The whole production combines into something very special and memorable. However, the musicians are somewhat hidden in front of the stage and I did feel that seeing more of them would have been nice.

This was my first time watching ‘Sister Act’ and although not normally a big fan of musicals I found myself understanding how Joseph Howard’s 1992 film adaptation had grossed $230 million worldwide. It is no surprise therefore that it made its natural progression in 2011 onto Broadway. The Guiseley Theatre production team have delivered an amazing show with this, their own delightful adaptation of ‘Sister Act’. The story is gripping, stimulating and very pleasing.

‘Deloris Van Cartier’ is an ambitious singer and is relying on her boyfriend ‘Curtis’ to deliver her to the big time. But when she witnesses him killing a member of his gang she is forced into witness protection; at a convent! Suddenly ‘Deloris’ finds herself in the completely alien world of catholic nuns! The situation provides for great comedy as she struggles to come to terms with her new predicament! The plot continues with ‘Deloris’ taking on the job of training the nuns to sing and builds toward an exhilarating finale!

This production from Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society (GAOS) has actually converted me! I am now a fan of musicals. When one sees it done properly, as this one certainly is, it leaves you begging for more. I can highly recommend a visit this week to the Guiseley Theatre. Go and experience this exceptional performance of the legendary ‘Sister Act’ . You will not regret it!

Sister Act by GAOS is at Guiseley Theatre from September 24 to 29, 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.15pm. Tickets online at www.gaos.co.uk or box office 0113 2506434.

Reviewer: Basil Simon - Producer - writer - composer.