I WENT to see the SALOS production of Sister Act at the Wyvern. I was thinking about the Whoopi Goldberg film which of course was not a musical, so there was bound to be something different.

It was the most sensational show I’ve seen in ages. Former only singers suddenly became flamboyant dancers. The habit of a nun is the best disguise ever.

The only person I could recognise being Judith Sharp as Mother Superior. There were some reminders of the Sound of Music and ‘How to solve a problem like Maria’ but these new songs were special.

Carrie Barras who played Deloris (Whoopi’s role) was amazing in her first lead role with SALOS. She was a revelation, a bundle of energy, drawing out the sisters to improve their singing, especially Nikky Pye as timid Sister Mary Robert. Her song ‘The life I never led’ made me think of one’s own ifs and maybes.

There were only five men in the cast, four as the inept baddies trying to find Deloris, and Ray Dance who was the priest Monsignor O’Hara with a lovely Irish accent.

The costume changes became more outrageous as the sisters improved their act to become like a nightclub act. I think I would definitely have supported the Sunday worship in their church.

Congratulations also to the scenery changers who had to be very quick indeed, and the wonderful orchestra which kept going without missing a beat, whether quietly for the solos or the big numbers, all singing, all dancing. Breathtaking!

It will be very hard for SALOS to top this performance which was easily a match for any West End show.

VAL HEMMENS Common Platt Swindon