Sister Act The Musical review: Uncomplicated fun yet far from heavenly-Sam Marlowe-Entertainment – Metro

Queen of British Soul deploys her phenomenal vocals, and an easy charisma all of her own (Picture: Manuel Harlan)

Beverley Knight is, self-evidently, not Whoopi Goldberg: and those are big shoes to fill.

Goldberg was due to return to this musical version of her hit 1992 movie in the lead role of aspiring disco diva-turned-nun on the run Deloris Van Cartier: the same part she originated onscreen, specially rewritten for an older woman.

Covid intervened, plans changed and Knight stepped in.

If she can’t bring Hollywood star power, the Queen of British Soul deploys her phenomenal vocals, and an easy charisma all of her own.

The 1992 classic works well on stage (Picture: Manuel Harlan)

Morgan Large’s designs sprinkle the 1970s Philadelphia setting with Starsky & Hutch fashions (Picture: Manuel Harlan)

Bill Buckhurst’s spangly new staging isn’t quite zingy enough, but Morgan Large’s designs sprinkle the 1970s Philadelphia setting with Starsky & Hutch fashions and rainbow sequins, and a cast of familiar faces deliver Disney regulars Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s funky songs with a wink and a twinkle.

Jennifer Saunders is crisp and wry as disapproving Mother Superior, even if she has to make her dodgy singing part of the joke.

The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle is a dynamo as a nun hyper-charged with ecstatic levels of enthusiasm, and Lizzie Bea is soaringly touching as a wistful young postulant.

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Lesley Joseph is rather wasted as the vinegary Sister Mary Lazarus, and her attempts at rapping are a touch toe-curling.

And though Clive Rowe’s charming, huge-hearted cop Eddie gets one big breakout number where he shines gloriously, we want more of him.

This isn’t a show to take you to heaven or bring you to your knees; but it is an uncomplicated good time.

On until Sunday, August 28 at the Eventim Apollo, London.

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