The production of Sister Act brought its all singing; all dancing smash hit UK tour to The Orchard Theatre in Dartford from the 2nd January 2017 to the 7th January 2017. I attended the evening performance on Friday 6th January and it was as amazing as I had thought and worth every penny.

The all new production of the West End musical stars Alexandra Burke, the winner of the X Factor 2008 who plays the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier and follows the story of Deloris going into hiding in a convent to be protected from her mobster boyfriend who she witnessed killing someone. Directed and choreographed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood; splashes of his persona shine throughout during the many dance numbers of the show in particular ‘Fabulous, Baby!’ There was a sparkling glitter ball lighting up the auditorium which added to the atmosphere of the show making it feel like a party. The number ‘Take me to Heaven’ which was reprised had everyone singing along and tapping their feet and was definitely my favourite.

The music was played by a live band including even the actors and actresses playing instruments. The nuns were running around with violins and the police officers were harmonising on the accordions! The musical numbers were absolutely astonishing potentially the highlights of the show. The acting was superb and the story was very evident throughout including some comedic lines and characters thrown in to make the audience laugh, which they certainly did. Alexandra portrayed Deloris perfectly; she was a sassy diva who gave it her all and her voice was practically made for the role.

The audience too got involved, a whole crowd of the public came dressed up as nuns, truly embracing the theme of the show. Alexandra herself seemed delighted at the end of the show when the lights went up and she spotted the audience dressed up and seeing the sight she waved and laughed. Nobody wanted the fun to be over and of course there was a standing ovation.

I even managed to catch the star of the show, Alexandra Burke, after the show and have a chat with her about the tour. She was obviously tired after her stunning performance and couldn’t say much after strenuously using her voice all evening and wanting to rest it. She looked completely chilled and relaxed after her final number, casually taking pictures with a few fans in a baseball cap and boots.

Firstly I asked Alexandra what her favourite scene was from the performance, she said, “My favourite was most likely the dance number from the show ‘Raise Your Voice’ when Deloris is teaching the nun’s choir how to sing! But of course the whole of the show is so fun to perform,” This scene was hilarious and uplifting and I could tell from Alexandra’s performance in that scene that she was embracing it and putting in her all.

I then asked Alexandra where else she was taking the tour. Alexandra said, “It is travelling all around the country and I’m starring in all the shows apart from the matinees. I also stay nearby to the theatres if the performances aren’t local but for the south east area I travel home.

I also asked about the rehearsals prior to the show and Alexandra told me about all the hard work and long weeks of rehearsal. “I had 6 weeks prior to the tour of rehearsals, 4 weeks with the entire crew and 2 weeks on my own.” This is amazing as it seems like such little time for a show that bold and bright to be brought to life so quickly.

Overall, I was delighted to have met Alexandra Burke and was outstanded by her and the rest of the casts dazzling performance and all the effort put into the show from the live music band, sound and lighting and all involved and I would definitely recommend the show to all.

Lauren Woodley, Dartford Grammar School for Girls.