When Sally Manning played the Mother Superior in our 2015 production of Sister Act, her performance saw her named Best Actress in a Musical at the Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards. Seven years on, she’s thrilled to be reprising the role.
“It was my first lead part and quite scary at the time,” remembers Sally. “But I think I’ve evolved as a person since then, and now understand better who the Mother Superior is. I think my voice has matured as well. But in rehearsals it’s strange how things are coming back to me from before!”
Sally Manning
Much of the fun of Sister Act involves the sparky relationship between the Mother Superior and the sassy nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, forced to hide in the convent after witnessing a murder. Deloris is played by Kirsty Kingham. Sally says acting with Kirsty is quite an experience.
“Kirsty and I have been really close friends for many years now but we’ve never performed together! Now we’re performing the leads in my favourite show which is very special to me. Because it’s Kirsty, it’s REALLY hard to stay focused and not to allow myself to burst with laughter - and equally not to get emotional!”
Since 2015 Sally has played several lead roles for BATS as well as directing her first show at the Haymarket, Avenue Q for BATS Next Gen. Later this year, she’ll be directing BATS’ next show, Shrek – The Musical.
Sally as Mother Superior in our 2015 production
“Originally we were due to perform Shrek in 2019 but Covid hit. So I’ve had a lot of preparation time! I love character work, and I’m really looking forward to bringing all those fairytale creatures to the stage. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Before that though, Sally’s attention is firmly focused on Sister Act – as well as her day job as a job coach at Farnborough College.
“I help teenagers with additional learning needs to find work,” she explains. “I absolutely love being able to help make a difference in their lives.”
“And for me the most important thing about BATS is, you’ve got to have fun! It’s a hobby and people are taking time out of their busy lives to put on a show.”
“I can’t wait to get back on stage at the Haymarket with a great group of friends and bring you the best show we can!”
Six performances of Sister Act run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.