Axminster Musical Theatre's recent production of Sister Act as been hailed as their best ever.

The society, formed in 1926 wen they performed HMC Pinafore, performed the award winning hit at the Guildhall last week to near full-house audiences and with numerous standing ovations.

Sister Act was a huge 1991 cinematic blockbuster starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, converting to the stage on 2006 with a West End run three years later. A newly-revised adaption of the show opened on Broadway in 2011 and more recently a UK tour ran for a year.

Since then Sister Act has been a great favourite with local musical theatre groups and remains popular with performance and audiences alike.

That was certainly the case among Axminster audiences. One of their regular attenders wrote to Nub News in praise of the Axminster production, saying it was "as good as any West End show I have seen".

The show was directed by Nick Lawrence, a life member of AMT and now serving his second term as National President of NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association. Mr Lawrence directs musicals and plays all over the West Country.

He clearly likes working with the Axminster society. Writing in the show programme, he said: "You've haven't had fun unless you've spent the evening with the young vibrant and talented members of Axminster Musical Theatre rehearsing this crazy show. Every rehearsal has been a joy and I cannot wait to work with them again."

Following the success of last year's production, Evita, which received rave reviews (one of them from me), Joseph Binmore returned as musical director and Jodie Glover, a popular stage performer in East Devon and West Dorset, was the choreographer with Lily Rayner as her dance captain. 

The Sister Act cast included some of the most popular local performers in local theatre circles as well a number of new faces. The leading roles were taken by society chairman Silvey Webber with her usual professional and powerful performance as Deloris Van Cartier. Harvey Causley, who grows in popularity with every role he takes, took the role of Eddie Souther (Sweaty Eddie), and the role of Mother Superior was taken by Sarah Jane Smith who gave a wholly believable performance and was a big hit with the Axminster audiences.

A big plus in Sister Act is the wonderful musical numbers including such classics as "Take Me To Heaven", "I Could Be That Guy" and "I Haven't Got A Prayer", all delivered with passion.

The full cast list

Silver Webber (Deloris Van Cartier), Sarah Jane Smith (Mother Superior), Carly Poole (Sister Mary Robert), Hannah McGown), Caroline Markham (SisterMary Lazarus),Richard Fereday (Monsignor O'Hara), Tony Glover (Curtis), Harvey Causley (Eddie), Harry Lockett (TJ), Matthew Knight (Joey), Ryan Tozer (Pablo), Lorraine Knowles (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours), Rose Harvey (Sister Mary Theresa), Jasmine Hussey (Michelle), Brian Curlsey (Ernie); Jodie Glover, Jasmine Hussey, Caitlin Jackson, Elosie Mathews, Sally Next, Lily Rayner, Tracey Wakeling, Maddie Whitaker, Annette Wraxall and Kelsey Wright (Nuns); Ian Styles (Cop), Caitlin Jackson (Hooker); Ian Styles, Tracey Wakeling and Sally Next (Bar Patrons and Waitresses); Olly Harrison (Drag Queen); Michael Dye, Jodie Glover, Olly Harrison, Jasmine Hussey, Caitlin Jackson, Eloise Mathews, Sally Next, Lily Rayner, Tracey Wakeling and Kelsey Wright (Homeless People); Michael Dye (Cab Driver), Olly Harrison (Newscaster); Jodie Glover, Olly Harrison, Jasmine Hussey, Lily Rayner, Matthew Knight, Harry Lockett and Ryan Tozer (Fantasy Dancers), Michael Dye, Olly Harrison and Ian Styles (Alter Boys).

Orchestra

Tina Pavely, Cathy Binmore, Joseph Binmore, Jen Campbell, Shirley Screech, Josh Westrip, Emily Wilson-Manfield, Chris Holland, Frazer Morgan, Pete Manfield, Glyn Rattenbury and Steve Douglas.

Production Team

Ian Styles (Production Manager);  Adam Chudley (Stage Manager); Martin Webber and Friends of the Society (Assistant Stage Managers); Ian Styles (Set Design and Construction, Axminster Property (Set Materials); Seventh Wave Auto (Lighting and Sound); Brian Cursley (Properties); Lily Rayner (Dance Captain);  Cast and Friends of the Society (Wardrobe); The Space Taunton (Costume Hire);  Susie Gambie and Friends of the Society (Dressers); Hannah McGown, Joseph Binmore, Ian Styles and Rose Harvey (Publicity); Hannah McGown, Rose Harvey and Annette Wraxall (Programme); Shell Lawrence Photography (Dress Rehearsal Photographer); (Axminster Guildhall and Joseph Binmore (Ticket Sales and Box Office); Footeprints Bridport (Printing); Pam Cridge (Floral Arrangements); Nick Cole, Mike Harvey, Sue Close and Friends of the Society (Front of House); Dianne Bruce (Raffle).

One achievement worthy of note is that ATM's secretary Rose Harvey was appearing in her 50th production with the society.

ATM's next production will be Jekyll & Hyde at Axminster Guildhall - September 26-30 2023.