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.
Cydney, Katie and Kaz talk about their Sister Act Calling
Kaz works in air traffic control. Cydney has a job in a jewellers. Katie’s career is in marketing. But these three women share a passion. You could say it’s a “calling”. For on Monday and Wednesday evenings you’ll find them singing and dancing their hearts out in rehearsals for the nun-tastic musical, Sister Act!
“I’d have happily swept the stage just to be part of this show,” says Katie. “It’s such a feelgood, uplifting musical and when you get everyone singing these gospel-style songs together, the sound in the room is amazing!“
“I love the message of the show,” says Kaz. “It’s all about acceptance and how we’re better for being different.”
Cydney believes Sister Act is a great bonding experience for the women in the cast. “A hundred per cent! We’re all different ages. This is my first show for BATS and everyone’s been so lovely and welcoming.”
The trio, all experienced dancers, have a busy show in store. As well as donning habits as the singing sisters, they also play a variety of other roles, as you’ll see when they take the stage at the Haymarket.
Putting on a show takes time and commitment. Cydney’s been living in Reading, Katie travels in from Wokingham and Kaz has childcare to juggle. But all agree it’s worth it.
Cydney Murray
Katie Schulten
Kaz McCloy
The trio in rehearsal
“You do it because you love it,” says Kaz.
“Totally,” says Katie. “I did a Performing Arts BTEC and have been in 24 hour musicals in Camberley, which were chaos! But this is the first show for a while and I’ve had time to relax and enjoy the process. Our director Louise is fantastic - I’m loving working with her and learning from her.”
“I was in Joseph, Annie and The Wiz when I was a child,” says Cydney. “But this is the first show I’ve done as an adult.”
And she has an admission. “Although I’d heard of Sister Act, I’d never even seen the film! Now I know it, I love it!”
“It’s such a happy show,” says Kaz. “It’s good for all ages and there’s something for everyone. I know it’s going to be fantastic!”
You can see Kaz, Cydney and Katie in six performances of Sister Act, which run from 17 - 21 May at the Haymarket, Basingstoke. Buy tickets online.
Sally’s getting back in the habit to reprise her award-winning role
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.
Sister Act - Dates and information for pre-audition rehearsals and auditions
If you would like to join us to perform in our May 2022 production of Sister Act, here is the information you need about auditions.
Access audition resources online: Members area
You must be a paid-up member to be able to access audition materials, audition form and book slots for pre-audition workshops. Access these resources by logging into your member account on the BATS website. If you are a new member, pay your membership online with a debit or credit card to gain instant access your account. Annual membership is £25 and runs from 1 July - 30 June.
If you want to know a little more before you decide to audition, read the character descriptions/requirements and the schedule of rehearsal dates.
Welcome talk (it not mandatory to attend this in order to audition)
Wed 8 Dec: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG4 8LT
Covid precautions: All attendees to perform a negative lateral flow test 24 hours before attending and we recommend you wear a face mask during this event. If you feel unwell and show any main symptoms of coronavirus, please do not attend unless you have taken a negative PCR test.
Pre-audition workshops
You'll need to attend at least one pre-audition workshop to practise singing with the musical director and be taught your chosen audition dance (there are different routines for 'ensemble' and 'dancers').
Singing slots are an individual 10-minute session with the MD. Dancing is a 45-minute slot in up to groups of 10. You must pre-book slots online via your member account on the BATS website.
Mon 3 Jan: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs
Wed 5 Jan: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Mon 10 Jan: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs
Wed 12 Jan: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG4 8LT
Auditions
The online audition form must be submitted by Wed 12 January.
Sat 15 Jan: 09:30 - 17:00
Sun 16 Jan: 10:00 - 16:00 (TBC)
Venue: Market Chambers, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE
Performance Fee
If you are successfully cast in the show, a performance fee of £100 is payable before the costume call (Thurs 12 May). You can pay in instalments - just talk to us to request this.
Schedule of director setting and rehearsal dates
In addition to the director setting dates, cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening. View the outline rehearsal schedule.