Sister Act Review, May 2022 - NODA

Scenery/Set/Properties: The main backdrop (a large, of stained-glass arches) was most impressive and of the highest quality. There were a variety of scenes inside the Convent (refectory, dormitory, Mother Superior’s office and Confessional) and on the outside, the night club, police station and the street. Some sets were made up using basic properties enabling quick changes to keep the action moving and the props, when necessary, were well used by the cast. There was good attention to detail including a walking stick that lit up which was in keeping with the upbeat nature of one of the songs.

The programme was colour, glossy and of superior quality. There was a message from the Chairman, photos of the cast, some rehearsal photos and details of future productions and auditions. It contained all the necessary information about the show and there was also some information about the group and how to get involved.

Costume/Hair/Make Up: The costumes were brilliant, smart, in keeping with the characters and displayed great attention to detail. Deloris’ ‘fur’ coat, the nun’s habits with ever changing front pieces, pyjamas, Monsignor’s vestments, costumes for night club patrons and people in the street, and even the Pope’s vestments were all authentic. Eddie’s on-stage change from police to ‘Vegas Elvis’ white jump suit and back to police uniform was magnificent and well executed. Most of the cast’s hair was hidden under their nuns’ headdresses but the 70s wigs for Joey, TJ and Pablo were just right.

Lighting, sound and special effects: An excellent use of lighting beautifully brought the stained-glass arches to life during scenes inside the chapel, while effective use of multi-coloured lighting and a glitter ball created the lively nightclub atmosphere. The cast sounded terrific. Sally Manning as Mother Superior was outstanding. She was grounded, note perfect and sang with self-possessed authority. Kirsty Kingham had irresistible energy bringing great gusto to the role, (if perhaps just a little over-amplified in the opening number) In complete contrast, Rhianon Mone’s solo ‘The Life I never Led’ was beautifully sung with innocence and dignity.

The production: This feel-good show was a triumph from start to finish. It was energetic, hilarious and joyful. The show was filled with great moments and the cast shone. The direction and choreography by Louise Travis was excellent, creative and filled with humour; the cast being in synch with the music and each other. The laughter was particularly evident when Joey, TJ and Pablo sang and engaged with the audience; particularly one lady! Luannsa Goodman was cheeky and charming as the exuberant Sister Mary Patrick. Deloris’ journey takes her from selfishness to responsibility and sisterhood and Kirsty Kingham took the audience with her.

This was a well-crafted show with huge talent both on and off the stage. There was a great deal of comedy and a theme of genuine affection and friendship. All in all, a fantastic evening that enabled the audience to leave the theatre with beaming smiles.

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - It's All An Act

Firstly can I say what an incredible sound this society make! Adam Blosse (Musical Director) deserves a medal for the quality that he has drawn out of this fabulous cast.

The show began with a bang, vocally and visually with Kirsty Kingham (Deloris) providing the lead vocals being back by Kirsty Bennett (Michelle) and Rachel Potter (Tina) and accompanied by the glamorous drag queen dancers Ben Waines and Ben Shallow. We started as we meant to go on.

Joining the ladies on stage was the male entourage bringing a new element to the stage in the form of Paul Morris (Curtis), Richard Bond (Joey), James Young (TJ), Bryn Hughes (Pablo), it was clear that all the males had been given clear direction for their characters as they were all believable and reacted well to each other's character.

The show moves towards the police station where we met ‘Sweaty Eddie’, I mean Eddie Souther played by Ian Moseley. His moustache which was something to be admired - a solid performance from the man throughout the show including his solo.

The time came in the show when we entered the Nuns’ convent and this was where most of the laughter from the audience came from, not just from the script writing but for the comedic timing and facial expressions from every single nun that was on stage. Each nun had their own personality which was clear and shone through and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed.

There are a few nuns that are worth mentioning as they had stand out performances. Sally Manning (Mother Superior) - this hilarious woman never failed to get a laugh from the audience. Rhianon Mone (Sister Mary Robert) portrayed the timid and shy nun character that was expected and sang wonderfully in her solo. Luannsa Goodman played the energetic and excitable Sister Mary Patrick to the letter and filled the stage without fail. Kirsty Kingham (Deloris/Sister Mary Clarence) whether a nun or not, she was the right person for this part and made this character her own with the vocal ability and emotional character portrayed throughout.

On the other side within the convent was Anthony Mitchell (Monsignor O’Hara) with his optimistic Irish charm to complement Mother Superior.

There were a few hiccups with the sound but the cast continued through like professionals, I found that some of the scene changes were a little awkward and distracting from the actors sometimes, but apart from that I must say that the lighting for the show was phenomenal and added a real classy element to the show.

I must finish where I started by saying that this society makes an incredible sound, whether it be full cast, three-part harmonies or solos - the singing made this show.

Jaz Wilson
It's All An Act

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - Dress Circle Antics

Sister Act Is An Uplifting Show That Everyone Could Do With A Dose Of.

Following the rehearsal of Basingstoke Amateur Theatre Society’s (BATS) Sister Act, I was looking forward to seeing the finished show. And it provided the fun, high energy and laugh a minute show everyone could do with a dose with from time to time. Under Lousie Travis’ direction and a cast determined to give audience members a night to remember, the theatre was full of well-deserved applause and cheers by the end of the show, showing gratitude to a company that have worked tirelessly hard to give audiences a good night out and a show to enjoy.

Leading the show is Kirsty Kingham as Deloris, a role with big expectations. Yet Kingham does not let this phase her. Her vocals are incredible, and she is perfectly cast in this role – capturing the cheeky yet loving essence of Deloris the whole way through. She carries the show tirelessly – even more admirable is how she learnt the role in just 6 weeks. Bearing in mind as this is amateur dramatics, that’s not 6 weeks of all day everyday rehearsing, but 6 weeks of a few hours, twice a week. You’d never tell, as Kingham looks as though she was born for the stage and brings Deloris to life wholeheartedly and wins us all over.

Opposite of Deloris, you have Paul Morris as bad guy Curtis, supported by Richard Bond, James Young and Bryn Hughes as his wannabe back up men – Joey, TJ and Pablo. They bring the comedy to the show and never miss the mark with the comedic timing and punchlines. All three are just naturally brilliant by being these comedic characters without having to try too hard. They are very convincing, perfectly finding the line between playing the nice guys who end up with bad jobs.

It can safely be said Sister Act is an ensemble show through and through. The stellar ensemble elevates this show, filling the theatre with their strong vocals and the energy that is palpable from all four corners. In the more full-on numbers, such as raise your voice’ and ‘Spread the Love Around, it’s hard not to get caught up in the show and be rooting for everyone on stage.

It’s amazing to see how far the show has come from the rehearsal I was invited to watch just a few weeks ago. The rehearsal then was something special, but to now see the finished piece filled out with the costumes, set and props was a wonder – the stained-glass windows all beautifully lit up, the nuns habits with the added glitter and glamor as they perform for the pope, Deloris’ epic big and blonde wig…all these details just really pull the show together that bit more.

This may not be a West End company, but the love and support everyone has for each other is unmatched. To see everyone beaming with joy and putting all they have into their performances on stage is nothing short of wonderful, and for that, BATS cannot be praised enough. Sister Act may be rough around the edges at times but given this is a show put on by people in their own free time after their usual jobs, fitting this into their lives as an added extra, they have done themselves proud by creating such a joyous and fun-filled show.

The humongous effort and hard work every person has put in is starkly clear from the first to the final note, and there was never any disappointment watching. Sister Act is the uplifting show everyone could do with a dose of, and BATS has more than provided that.

Leyla Demirel
Dress Circle Antics

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - Basingstoke Gazette

BATS members have faced a tough time preparing for their upcoming performance of Sister Act at The Haymarket theatre, with Covid “severely impacting” rehearsals according to chairman of the amateur theatrical society, Ian Moseley.

However, you would never know this from the incredible performance the hugely talented cast put on. Despite more than two thirds of the cast ill and in isolation for two weeks during March, the team has worked hard to pull together and perfect the production which is set to uplift and delight audiences from May 17 to 21.

It is the second time BATS has staged Sister Act, after wowing audiences back in 2015. The society decided to revisit the successful show as members “find our feet again post lockdowns”, said Ian. Based on the book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, the story is perhaps a familiar one to many who remember the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg.

It follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier (Kirsty Kingham) who is witness to a fatal shooting carried out by her on-off boyfriend Curtis (Paul Morris).

Forced to go into hiding undercover in a convent, Deloris finds friendship and support from the group of nuns. Kirsty Kingham embraced her inner-diva to play a convincing Deloris, adopting her feistiness and sassiness with ease as she strutted across the stage in confidence and belted out the musical numbers with power and emotion. No one will leave questioning her star quality after her rendition of Fabulous, Baby!

However, it is not just the lead roles who shine, with many of the supporting characters also standing out and impressing with their physicality and vocal performances.

The group musical numbers dotted throughout are a joy to watch, expertly choreographed by Louise Travis who is also director. Uplifting, joyous and wildly funny, it’s impossible not to tap your foot along and have a little boogie in your seat when the nuns sing, dance and rap together.

This is juxtaposed with the emotional ballads, including Mother Superior’s (Sally Manning) Here Within These Walls, which feels almost ethereal performed against the beautifully lit chapel set complete with stunning stained-glass windows.

Morris gives a powerful performance as Curtis singing When I Find My Baby and Eddie Southern (Ian Moseley) evokes sympathy in I Could Be That Guy.

The first act finishes on a high with Deloris and the nuns belting out the upbeat Take Me to Heaven.
If the first act was all about Deloris, the second act shines a light on some outstanding performances from several individuals, including Rhianon Mone who plays Sister Mary Robert. Watching her transform from a shy, timid, gentle young girl to a confident, determined and fiercely loyal friend to Deloris, she delivers an incredible rendition of The Life I Never Led.

Perhaps the highlight of the second act (arguably the entire show) was the hilarious performance from trio Bryn Hughes (Pablo), James Young (TJ) and Richard Bond (Joey) who thoroughly entertain in Lady in the Long Black Dress, made extra comical with the super-high-pitched Bee Gees style singing. James Young says he has worked on his physicality for the show and this is evident as his comical timing, expressions and body language bring the character to life.

There is a dramatic climax as the nuns unite in sisterly solidarity to protect Deloris, before ending on a high with the upbeat Raise Your Voice, complete with a particularly impressive dance move performed by one of the nuns which is sure to have the audience laughing out loud.

This feel-good, uplifting show is a real triumph and not to be missed. Or, in the words of Deloris, 'Fabulous, Baby'!

Emily Roberts

The Bonds perform together for the first time in over 20 years

“So there I am in rehearsal doing my best sexy moves to the song Lady In the Long Black Dress - and Lynne doesn’t even notice. She’s at the back of the room taking payments for BATS T-shirts!”

It’s an anecdote that perfectly sums up Richard and Lynne Bond’s relationship with Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society - and possibly with each other (at least in public!)

While Richard’s known for playing loveable characters like Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Bob in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Bill in Me and My Girl, Lynne has been more active behind the scenes in recent years, serving on the committee and organising social events.

Incredibly, Sister Act is the first time the Bonds have appeared in a show together for over 20 years!

“It’s very nostalgic” says Lynne. “It’s nice to be able to travel to rehearsal together - then chat about our evening in the car on the way home! But in fact we don’t really appear on stage at the same time at all! I’m playing one of the nuns, and Richard is one of the gangsters!”

Richard and Lynne met through BATS, and first appeared together in 42nd Street in 1995, when Lynne played Anytime Annie. She’s also played lead roles including Sally in 1997’s Me and My Girl.

Lynne and Richard Bond

“Then the last show we did together was a BATS cabaret in 2000, just after our eldest son Jack was born,” says Lynne. “I found it too much with working full-time as well, so I decided to stop. We then had our son Josh, and the years just go by don’t they?”

When their sons were older, Lynne was tempted back to BATS - funnily enough for their 2015 production of Sister Act - and loved being back on stage. She’s donning the habit again for the 2022 version.

Will the boys be watching mum and dad proudly from the audience?

“Oh yes they’re SO proud of us” jokes Richard. “Josh works for Anvil Arts now, so he’ll probably get to see the show at least once. Jack is coming back to see it too.”

Given some of the roles Richard has played, surely they’re beyond embarrassment now?

“They did come and see me in The Full Monty, so yes!”

So Mr and Mrs Bond, we’re expecting you to appear in many more shows together?

“No! This is my last show, absolutely!” declares Lynne. “Never say never,” says Richard. Watch this space…

You can see Lynne and Richard in six performances of Sister Act, which run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.