BASED on the film of the same name, Sister Act tells the story of a disco diva who falls in love with a married gangster and witnesses him commit a murder.

An old schoolfriend, Eddie, now a police officer, hides her in a convent where she teaches the choir to sing, attracting new people to the church, and finds friendship.

Northallerton Musical Theatre Company has a reputation for excellence and this was no exception.

The songs in this version were just as memorable as in the film and included powerful and moving solos and strong chorus sections, notably from the group of nuns.

Kirsten Moore played Doloris Van Cartier who becomes Sister Mary Clarence. She engaged the audience with her powerful stage presence and credibility, and her singing was faultless. She has a tremendous range and her energy lifted the play throughout.

Her nemesis, the Mother Superior, less than thrilled to have a woman of dubious morals in the convent, was played by Andrea Atkinson, who has performed in musical theatre for over three decades.

This experience showed in the subtle humour of wrestling with both God and Doloris and her singing was one of the highlights of the show. Her sparring with Dolores was very entertaining.

The song, It’s Good to be a Nun, set the tone with lively, but inoffensive humour. Scenes with the nuns were delightful, with harmonious singing, changing views and different characters adding to the humour and sometimes pathos.

Shy novice Sister Mary Robert was played beautifully by 17-year-old Emily Hobbs. Doubts about her vocation were well expressed in The Life I Never Had sung while wearing Dolores’ thigh-high velvet boots beneath her habit.

The production was skilfully handled by director and choreographer Michele Plews and posed moral questions.

Other parts include Martin Holdsworth as Monsignor O’Hara, loveable Eddie, played by Chris Donnelly and Curtis, the married boyfriend played by David Ferry, with his amusing sidekicks.

The band, skilfully conducted by musical director, Trevor Wilson, were a joy to listen to, though occasionally some words of songs were difficult to hear.

With not a spare seat to be had, the audience was fully appreciative of this entertainment.

Jan Hunter