The stage musical of Sister Act, based on the 1992 smash hit comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg, has been delighting UK audiences since its West End premiere in 2009. It’s currently back on tour across the UK, yet again (8 September 2023 – 5 October 2024). In addition, the same flat-pack-plays-big production directed by Bill Buckhurst continues simultaneously in the West End (the show returned to the Dominion Theatre on 15 March 2024).

Triple-platinum selling singer Alexandra Burke first played the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier back in 2016, and London is thrilled to have her “back in the habit” again, joining an all-star cast of Ruth Jones (Gavin and Stacey), Lemar (double Brit Award and triple MOBO Award winner), Lee Mead (Any Dream Will Do), and Carl Mullaney (Mighty Hoopla), among many others.

The score by Disney’s Alan Menken and Glenn Slater is a feel-good powerhouse, with sensational vocals by the whole cast, and a twelve-piece band to boot (led by musical director Neil MacDonald). Production design by Morgan Large is big, bold, and cartoonish to match the insane comic energy of the cast. There really is nothing like a choir of unstable nuns belting out gospel harmonies to put a smile on your face.

This is not the original (much more complex) West End production directed by Peter Schneider, and it’s a tall order for this touring production to fill the cavernous 2,100-seater Dominion Theatre. But the cast manage it, with a rapturous audience response that gets you in the mood to party right off the bat.

Playing at the Dominion Theatre 15 March – 31 August 2024.