It’s rare that a stage play or musical is better than the film. Dirty Dancing however well performed can never compare with Patrick Swayze and that lift in the movie while Pretty Woman has no chance against the perennial appeal of the Richard Gere and Julia Robert romcom classic.

But – and it’s a big, no gigantic, but – Sister Act is different. It takes the story, made famous in the Whoopi Goldberg 1992 hit movie and makes it sharper, smarter and sassier. It still has all the laughs, the plot, and the charm of the film but it has an uplifting, sing-a-long element that was missing on the big screen but is there in abundance on stage.

And we’re really blessed in Eastbourne as we have the touring play starring Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters (she was Cilla Battersby Brown) here while the musical is still on at London’s Dominion Theatre with a stellar cast including Alexandra Burke, Ruth Jones, Lesley Joseph, Lemar and Lee Mead.

But who needs to schlep up to the capital when we can watch a divine version of Alan Menken and Glen Slater’s musical comedy right here on our doorstep? And – praise be! – what a heavenly show it is.

Incredibly, Whoopi was going to star in the show for its West End run, reviving her film star role as disco diva Deloris Van Cartier who becomes a nun on the run after witnessing her gangster boyfriend murder a ‘grass’.

The Hollywood star played the disapproving Mother Superior in Sister Act’s first London outing in 2010 and was all set to return as an older, though not necessarily wiser, version of the club singer. Sadly, the pandemic halted production and Woopi’s schedule didn’t align for the new run. 

But London’s loss is Britain’s gain as the talented Landi Oshinowo, who has starred as Rafiki and Nola in The Legend of the Lion King and in Matilda The Musical, steps into Woopi’s (platform) shoes and proves just what a powerhouse singer she is.

The story is simple: Deloris is sheltered by the unrecognisable Peters as Mother Superior who is forced to take in the reluctant singer to keep her safe in the convent while she awaits lover Curtis Jackson’s murder trial.

What unfolds is a tale of friendship, sacrifice and devotion all held together with a tight script, dazzling costumes which wouldn’t look out of place at Pride – they’re Fabulous, Baby – brilliant tunes and plenty of laughs.

Encouraged to help the struggling – and tone deaf – choir raise money for the dilapidated convent, Deloris makes some discoveries about friendship, and helping others, as well as herself, find their true voices.

The musical has been reset in the 70s Philadelphia instead of the film’s 90s San Francisco and it gives the show a groove all of its own. Featuring original music by Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Menken, and songs inspired by disco and Motown, Sister Act has soul.

The show rattles along with stand-out performances by nice-guy cop Eddie (Alfie Parker who’s from Worthing and gives it his all in I Could Be That Guy), the shy Sister Mary Robert (Eloise Runnette) who comes into her own; overly happy-but-not-dappy Sister Mary Patrick (Isabel Canning) and gravel-voiced hip-hop nun Sister Mary Lazarus played brilliantly by Julie Stark.  

But it’s Oshinowo who is sensational. It’s not just her voice, which is pure gospel meets soul meets disco, but her acting is skilful and nuanced, too. Portraying her transformation from reluctant self-obsessed singer to a caring friend who truly joins the nuns is heart warming.

She plays off Peters perfectly while the set, the camp costumes, the even camper choreography and the music make this an uplifting show that will leave you wanting to join the sisterhood. It’s a class act that answers all your prayers for a heavenly night out.

Sister Act is on at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre until Saturday 13 July, 2024, 7.30pm (Thursday and Saturday matinee 2.30pm). Tickets from £27, Thursday and from £30 Friday and Saturday. eastbournetheatres.co.uk