Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society
Sister Act
The Palace Theatre
12th-15th November 2014
Sister Act
The Palace Theatre
12th-15th November 2014
Despite being nearly 125 years old Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society are determined to keep ahead of the times; their next production Sister Act the Musical will not only be their 220th production but it will also be the Essex regional premiere of the show which was a huge hit in the West End and also on Broadway. Most of us will be familiar with the film starring the whacky Whoopi Goldberg as the black showgirl Deloris, who inadvertently witnesses her gangster boyfriend bumping someone off. She then has to go under cover for her own safety, in a convent full of badly singing nuns. The premise of the story in the stage show is not far from the film version and SODS (as they are affectionately known) have made another scoop in that they are the only group, amongst the 12 groups to have recently put on this show around the country, to find a black actress to play the part of Deloris.
When no one in the Southend area came forward to audition for Deloris, the part was put out to actresses further afield and after searching local drama groups, 15 gospel choirs and various other avenues, six potential actresses came forward to audition. Ian Gilbert, who is directing the show, told me that as soon as he heard Sharon Rose sing he knew that she was ‘the one’. Sharon is a professional singer but has never acted before. Ian says that she has learned so much during this rehearsal period and definitely has an awful lot of potential in musical theatre.
Ian has been a member of SODS for two and half years and has directed for other groups in the past; his favourite being Buddy with LTC. However, this will be the first time that he has directed a show for SODS. He is also the company’s Chairman. “I’m really pleased with how rehearsals are going” he tells me, “and despite having a month off for summer holidays in August we are now getting back on track for a great show in November.” “We love being back at The Palace Theatre. It has such a great intimate feel to it.”
First time choreographer for SODS, Vicky Wyatt, has been putting the cast through their paces and they show me one of the numbers from the show with Ben Huish, who has an amazing vocal range, playing Eddie. We also see a nice little comedy routine sung by bad boy Curtis and played by Jonny Buxton accompanied by his hoods, Pablo, Joey and TJ played by Joe Howlett, Ian Scoging and Declan Wright. Sadly, Sharon wasn’t around to perform for us as she was away touring with her band in London. She has also appeared as the opening act for pop singer Lemar.
The rest of the cast certainly sounded in good form, guided by musical director, Ashton Moore, and when I left they were singing the finale number with great gusto. In fact, I’m pretty sure that if anyone were passing at the time, they would easily be mistaken for thinking that the Leigh Road Baptist Church, where SODS rehearse, had been converted to a Gospel church.
I am left to eagerly anticipate hearing Sharon’s voice singing along with the rest of the cast but if what I hear is true, then this is a show that will have us all happy clapping for more.
Tickets are on sale now at Box Office 01702 351135 or go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Click here for Review
When no one in the Southend area came forward to audition for Deloris, the part was put out to actresses further afield and after searching local drama groups, 15 gospel choirs and various other avenues, six potential actresses came forward to audition. Ian Gilbert, who is directing the show, told me that as soon as he heard Sharon Rose sing he knew that she was ‘the one’. Sharon is a professional singer but has never acted before. Ian says that she has learned so much during this rehearsal period and definitely has an awful lot of potential in musical theatre.
Ian has been a member of SODS for two and half years and has directed for other groups in the past; his favourite being Buddy with LTC. However, this will be the first time that he has directed a show for SODS. He is also the company’s Chairman. “I’m really pleased with how rehearsals are going” he tells me, “and despite having a month off for summer holidays in August we are now getting back on track for a great show in November.” “We love being back at The Palace Theatre. It has such a great intimate feel to it.”
First time choreographer for SODS, Vicky Wyatt, has been putting the cast through their paces and they show me one of the numbers from the show with Ben Huish, who has an amazing vocal range, playing Eddie. We also see a nice little comedy routine sung by bad boy Curtis and played by Jonny Buxton accompanied by his hoods, Pablo, Joey and TJ played by Joe Howlett, Ian Scoging and Declan Wright. Sadly, Sharon wasn’t around to perform for us as she was away touring with her band in London. She has also appeared as the opening act for pop singer Lemar.
The rest of the cast certainly sounded in good form, guided by musical director, Ashton Moore, and when I left they were singing the finale number with great gusto. In fact, I’m pretty sure that if anyone were passing at the time, they would easily be mistaken for thinking that the Leigh Road Baptist Church, where SODS rehearse, had been converted to a Gospel church.
I am left to eagerly anticipate hearing Sharon’s voice singing along with the rest of the cast but if what I hear is true, then this is a show that will have us all happy clapping for more.
Tickets are on sale now at Box Office 01702 351135 or go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Click here for Review