Brace yourselves sisters, divine musical comedy Sister Act is coming to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
Promising to raise the spirits and warm the soul with its story and songs, this West End show will also bring an incredibly talented cast of performers to the Granite City, including TV and West End legend Lesley Joseph and Hairspray favourite Lizzie Bea.
But there’s one actor who really cannot wait to return to Aberdeen – Emmerdale and Waitress star Sandra Marvin who plays disco diva Deloris in the popular musical arriving at HMT in early November.
“I was in Aberdeen late last year with Waitress and I had such a lovely time,” said Sandra.
“The Christmas market was out and it was lovely. It’s a beautiful city – especially at that time.”
Sister Act to spread joy in Aberdeen
While it may be a bit early to be spreading Christmas cheer, Sandra told the P&J Sister Act certainly spreads joy all year round.
“Audiences love it. Not only is the film very close to people’s hearts but everyone loves the story of the nuns and their journey as well.
“We can hear the audience laughing all the way through. They laugh, they cry and at the end, everyone jumps up on their feet which is so lovely to see.
“They’re having a fun and joyous night out that takes them on a journey and the music is great so they cannot help it but be on their feet!”
Inspired by Whoopi Goldberg
Those unfamiliar with the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.
Placed under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent – where she is encouraged to help the struggling choir.
“When I was looking at playing Deloris, I went straight back to the film,” said Sandra.
“Whoopi’s Deloris is so funny and loveable. You really relate to her and root for her.
“She believes that to make it in life she needs to be famous and needs to be adored by lots of fans.
“She’s dating a bit of a local gangster who she witnesses commit a crime. Then she needs to go on the run…”
Sequins, loudness and bubbly fun
One of the things Sandra loves about Deloris is that she’s a hustler and is unapologetically herself.
“She keeps her humour and is 100% authentically herself – no matter where she is, she always remains the same which is one of the things that causes a conflict when she goes into the convent.
“They’re quite regimented. It’s a catholic nunnery so it’s very formal, but there she comes with the sequins, loudness and bubbly fun.
“It’s so much fun playing her. It’s such an iconic role.”
Sandra remembers watching the film with her family and “falling in love with the story”.
She said: “It’s a story about finding your place in the world, finding your community and realising your purpose – which is something everyone can relate to.
“At one point, you question the beliefs and things you strived for in your youth. You start to think and question things. You ask: ‘Actually, is that me? Is that what I need to be happy?’
“I think after lockdown, a lot of people had those moments of questing what made them happy and who they wanted around them.”
Great new songs in Sister Act coming to Aberdeen
Sandra says the musical follows the same story as the famous film but also features fabulous new songs.
“We have some glorious songs that have been written by (eight-time Oscar winner) Alan Menken who wrote a lot of the Disney scores (Aladdin, Enchanted). They are amazing disco songs that get everyone on their feet.
“If you love the film, this is a very truthful and close tribute to it.”
Sister Act is at Aberdeen’s HMT from Monday November 7 to Saturday November 12. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Conversation