Sister Act set to be performed at Bedford High School

Sister Act, which was released in 1992 and starred Whoopi Goldberg, will be enacted at Bedford High School in Leigh from Wednesday, July 3 to Friday, July 5.

There will be more than 120 students and primary school pupils playing their parts in the cast and crew.

Head of expressive arts at Bedford High School Janet Madden said: “Over the past four years we have put on five major productions and this one is by far the biggest that we have undertaken.

"It has involved the entire school community, along with our family of primary schools.

"We have also been supported by the wider community in Leigh as well."

Sister Act follows the exploits of Deloris Wilson, who goes on the run from the mob by hiding out in a local convent.

Under the guise of her alter-ego Deloris Van Cartier, the fugitive introduces the sisters to the worlds of gospel and rock ’n’ roll.

Cast members Rachel Lawrence, Tia Jayne Brown, Faith Baldwin

Bedford student Tia Jayne Brown, 14, takes the role of Deloris.

“This is my fourth show since joining Bedford,” Tia said.

“Everyone has worked hard and we make a great team. It's going to be great."

Emily Downs, 14, plays the stern Sister Mary Lazarus.

She said: “The time preparations for the show have been amazing and have taught me so much about the theatre and performing.

"I have loved being a part of the whole school community and support students from other year groups.”

Sister Act will take place at the school's U-Block Hall with the performances beginning at 6pm.

Musical Director Sarah Stafford said: “It provides our young people with a real sense of what it is like to be part of a major musical and the standards of work we have seen have been incredible.

"We are supporting our students to train towards professional standards and working on a production such as this will be an invaluable experience for anyone who wants to follow a career in the theatre.”

Leo Norfolk, Myles Denton, John James Kelly and Ashton Kenny

Myles Denton, Tia Jayne Brown and Will Colwing

Bedford High School head teacher Helen Phillips said: “It’s not every day you walk down a corridor to be confronted by a group of singing nuns unless you work at Bedford High School of course!

“Over the past three months, there has been a real buzz around our school as the students prepared for this production.

"It’s been a joy to see the young people really throwing themselves into the production and the opening night promises to be something really special.”

“The performance is open for anyone to attend and we would like the whole Leigh community to get behind the students and come along.

"Previous shows have seen audiences of up to 1,000 people over the run, so we are sure to see some packed houses. We are all praying that Sister Act will be a real smash hit.”

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £4 for students.

To book tickets contact the school's reception on 01942 486386.