Whoopi Goldberg has been forced to shelve her planned London stage debut as Deloris Van Cartier following the decision to postpone the much-anticipated London’s Eventim Apollo run of the new version of Sister Act The Musical.
Citing “current and ongoing pandemic restrictions and the knock-on effect on the international production’s schedule”, Goldberg and fellow producer Jamie Wilson have confirmed the production’s London season will now run from 19 July until 28 August 2022.
Confirming the news, Goldberg said: “Sister Act is near and dear to my heart and I’m disappointed that I will be unable to perform in this production under the circumstances. However, my producing partners and I will continue to work towards mounting a fantastic production, with an amazing new cast and we look forward to presenting it when it can be done safely for everyone onstage, behind the scenes and in the audience.”
Wilson added: “This new version of Sister Act The Musical has been in development for several years now and both Whoopi and I are committed to launching this celebratory, joyous and life affirming production with audiences in the UK. We can’t wait for everyone involved in the show to get back to doing what they love. We are now in the process of putting together a star-studded cast and will be able to share this news with you soon. We look forward to us all supporting and celebrating theatre when we return to the stage. It will be worth the wait.”
The multi award-winning US star had been due to bring the irrepressible character she created on screen in two hit movies to the London stage this summer alongside British comedy favourite Jennifer Saunders who had been signed up to make her musical theatre debut in the new UK touring production.
An announcement of casting for Goldberg’s replacement as Deloris and all other roles for the London performances of Sister Act in 2022, along with the details of the new dates and casting for the tour, will be released soon.
All ticketholders for Sister Act at London’s Eventim Apollo will be contacted directly by their point of sale/ticket provider soon and do not need to contact the box office directly. All existing ticket holders have been moved in to the same seats for equivalent performances by day of week for the 2022 run, with the option for a refund also available.
The production is directed by Bill Buckhurst with choreography by Alistair David, set design by Morgan Large, lighting design by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Tom Marshall and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
Based on the hit 1990s film featuring Goldberg, Maggie Smith and Harvey Keitel, Sister Act features original music by multi award-winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The book is by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.
After premiering in California in 2006, the musical opened at the London Palladium in 2009 with American newcomer Patina Miller starring as Deloris alongside veteran British actors Sheila Hancock and Ian Lavender. During the show’s West End run, Goldberg briefly joined the cast to play Mother Superior before a family emergency forced her to leave the show. Former Emmerdale star Sally Dexter stepped in until Goldberg returned for five performances towards the end of the run.
Angela Thomas
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