Praise be! SISTER ACT: A DIVINE MUSICAL COMEDY is making its way to the Swansea Grand this week and there are lots of reasons to praise this heavenly show.
Of course, it is a classic story which we have all loved on the big and small screen, but seeing it live is something else. This production is reworked for the stage and has a very familiar face joining the tou.
Star of stage and screen, WENDI PETERS, joins the convent as Mother Superior which opens tonight in Swansea through to 28th September. We caught up with Wendi to chat all things Sister Act, more of that shortly.
The musical is based on the 1992 film of the same name, which starred the hilarious Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story of the diva (ish) Vegas type lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses her mobster boyfriend commit a murder, in case you’d forgotten it was Harvey Kietel who played him in the movie. To escape him, the police put her in witness protection in probably the last place you’d expect to find a potty-mouth nightclub singer – a convent full of nuns.
If you’ve seen the movie you’ll know exactly where the story is going, but as I mentioned earlier, it has a new, fresh lease of life on stage. The combination of a fantastic cast, with harmonious voices really elevated the show to a heavenly plain.
Setting it in 1977 Philadelphia is actually a touch of genius. There’s something about the ‘Donna Summer‘ disco era which works so well with this show. It also gives them a chance to fill it with glitter and sequins which looks so good in this set.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of the movie, surprisingly however, I actually think it works even better on stage. Perhaps it’s the incredible music from Oscar-winning composer ALAN MENKEN, the guy who did Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid) lyrics are by his collaborator GLENN SLATER.
The cast is absolutely fantastic on this tour with some outstanding comic performances from the likes of ALFIE PARKER who plays Eddie. There’s also some next-level singing from LANDI OSHINOWO as Delores.
But it’s Wendi Peters we caught up with about life on the road, and getting into the habit!
Wendy, you’re a regular face on TVs across the country, much-loved for your time on Coronation Street as Cilla Battersby-Brown, but you began your career in theatre. What keeps bringing you back to the stage?
“Yes! Although, while I am best known for Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street, I did start my career in theatre. I trained in musical theatre for three years and did ten years before Corrie on stage in musicals, plays and comedies – so it really is part of me. It is what I adore. It is why I wanted to be in the business in the first place. My mum used to take me to see all the big musicals when they came to Manchester and that is when I really knew that’s what I wanted to do for a career – there is nothing like the stage. There is nothing like a live audience and being part of a company, so that is what always brings me back.”
Sister Act is a much-loved movie as well as a musical. Were you aware of the show before joining?
“Sister Act is a much-loved movie and musical, but I have to admit – I’ve never seen the movie! But I have seen the musical quite a few times. A few times at the London Palladium – I think that was 2009 – and just fell in love with the fun of it, the score and what a great time everyone was having, both cast and audience.”
Numerous people have taken on the role of Mother Superior – Maggie Smith on screen, Lesley Joseph and Sue Cleaver on stage. How would you describe your characterisation?
“Quite a few actresses now have played Mother Superior. I think, in terms of my characterisation, the nice thing is that everyone who has played Mother Superior has been so different – not just physically but within their acting and characterisation – I am going to play her American and quite stern but with a heart. And hopefully a little bit cheeky, too!”
People often say, to survive in musical theatre you need to live like a nun – how will you be looking after yourself on the road?
“Yeah, musical theatre is hard. I have done musicals over the years for a very long time and there is, sort of, a rule – not quite a rule but you do have to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Especially on tour, you’re going to be away from your loved ones. And physically – I do a lot of walking on tour. I am going to be taking the dog on tour so I will be walking the dog every day and trying not to have too many late nights. The odd glass of wine is fine, but early nights and trying to get out during the day which hopefully will keep me going throughout the tour.”
Sister Act features a fantastic score by the multi award-winning Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid). How would you describe the soundtrack, and do you have a favourite number to perform and/or watch?
“I absolutely adore the soundtrack. It is one of my go-to’s when I am feeling a bit down – you stick it on, and you can’t help smiling and feeling a bit happy. Every number is just a killer and that is the great thing about the show – it builds and builds and builds. If I had to pick one, I’d have to say ‘The Life I Never Led’ which is just the most beautiful song which tells a story and is just wonderful – a wonderful piece.”
What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
“I don’t need to hope – I just know audiences will take away from this production a brilliant evening. Two hours of complete escapism where they will have fun, they will laugh, they may even cry towards the end and just enjoy themselves. I think it is so needed in the world at this moment – people need an escape and to enjoy themselves so come and see Sister Act on tour.”
Is there a piece of advice you’ve received or that you would pass on to anyone hoping to go into the creative industry?
“I’ve had lots of pieces of advice over the years, but I think the best piece of advice is that you really need to work hard. It is a tough business out there and you need to love it, truly want to be in it and just work so hard. But also, treat people as you would like to be treated. Everyone within the theatre is doing an amazing job – not just the people on stage but the crew, the wardrobe, everybody – stage management, sound, lighting – it’s a real team so treat everybody as you want to be treated, get on and you will have a fab time!”
SISTER ACT: A DIVINE MUSICAL COMEDY opens this evening at Swansea Grand through to Saturday 28th September. Performances are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets range from £32 to £53 and you can get yours HERE.
