As NSTA representatives, we attended St Bede’s Roman Catholic High School’s production of Sister Act Jr. on Tuesday 10th March 2026. Under the visionary direction and choreography of Mr Thomas and Miss Garlington, and supported by the robust musical leadership of Mr North and Mrs Keighley, the production was defined by an exceptional sense of ensemble unity and meticulous preparation. From the opening notes, it was evident that the synergy between staff and pupils had fostered an environment of total commitment, resulting in a remarkably confident and spiritually uplifting piece of theatre.
Sister Act Jr tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer who finds herself hidden in a convent for protection. Initially out of place, she gradually inspires change within the choir, transforming it into a vibrant and dynamic group. The musical explores themes of friendship, identity, and belonging, all conveyed through energetic numbers and moments of humour and sincerity. Based on the hit 1992 film, Sister Act is a vibrant musical featuring a score by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner. Following its 2006 regional premiere in California, the production made a high-profile West End debut at the London Palladium in 2009 before achieving global success on Broadway and beyond, securing four Olivier Award nominations and five Tony Award nominations.
Thea took on the leading role of Deloris with confidence and flair, fully embracing the character’s bold personality. She handled the demands of the role with ease, bringing the comedic elements to the fore. Thea delivered vocals that were both controlled and powerful; her performance in “Take Me to Heaven” stood out in particular, demonstrating strong vocal ability alongside assured stage presence.
The principal nuns worked cohesively as a group, each bringing individuality to their roles while maintaining strong ensemble discipline. Their harmonies were skilfully executed, and their synchronisation in movement contributed to a polished and unified stage presence. Emelia, portraying Mother Superior, provided a well-judged contrast to Deloris. Her performance was clearly defined, and she established a believable dynamic with Thea. She also displayed strong movement skills and an engaging stage presence, contributing significantly to the success of their shared scenes. Harper-Eve, as Mary Roberts, delivered a memorable performance, with particularly impressive vocals. Her rendition of “The Life I Never Led” was a standout moment, performed with clarity and sincerity, effectively conveying the character’s growth and inner confidence. Vanessa’s portrayal of Mary Lazarus was fantastic, marked by clear character choices and confident physicality. Her comedic timing was well controlled, adding humour at key moments and enhancing the overall entertainment value of the production.
Arlo, in the role of Curtis, led the gangsters with confidence, supported by a group that clearly understood the tone of their characters. The gang embraced the comedic aspects of their roles effectively, with Noah in the role of Joey delivering particularly engaging moments through expressive movement and well-timed humour. Dougie’s performance as Eddie also deserves recognition, particularly in “I Could Be That Guy” which was delivered with confidence and charm, adding another enjoyable musical highlight to the production.
With such a wide range of talent within the cast, the casting process must have been a considerable task. Across the ensemble, acting was of a strong standard, with clear characterisation and sustained focus throughout. This consistency is a credit to the direction, which provided a solid framework for students to develop their performances with confidence. The large ensemble was used to great effect throughout the performance, with thoughtful staging and choreography ensuring that all performers remained involved and visible. This contributed to a sense of inclusivity and energy across the production. The choreography was well considered, making effective use of space and supporting the narrative without overwhelming it.
Musically, the production was strong, with clear direction resulting in confident singing and well-executed harmonies. The consistency of vocal delivery across the cast reflected careful rehearsal and musical guidance by Mr North and Mrs Keighley.
The set design was of a high quality and contributed positively to the overall presentation, helping to establish setting and atmosphere. Costumes were high quality and supported characterisation, adding to the visual clarity of the performance. It is clear that there is a culture of whole school community input to the productions here, and it is a joy to see the Performing Arts being so supported in the school.
Sister Act Jr. at St Bede’s was an enjoyable and well-executed production that highlighted both individual ability and collective effort. The combination of thoughtful direction, strong musical support, and committed performances resulted in a piece that was both entertaining and reflective of the work invested by all involved. School productions like this are a vital celebration of the performing arts, and this was a fantastic example of what can be achieved through passion, guidance, collaboration, and most importantly… sisterhood!