Whoopi Goldberg to star as Sister Act’s Deloris Van Cartier once again in new London musical

24 October 2019, 10:02 | Updated: 24 October 2019, 12:31

Sister Act fans, delight! Whoopi Goldberg will reprise her role as Deloris Van Cartier for the first time on stage.

Jennifer Saunders will take on the role of Mother Superior in the newly adapted production of the smash hit musical Sister Act.

While the film and stage versions were hugely successful, Whoopi reprising her lead character will ensure sell-out tickets at London’s Eventim Apollo from July 29 to August 30 2020.

Not only that, 63-year-old Whoopi is also a producer of the new production, as she was when the show first debuted in the West End in 2009.

Whoopi briefly appeared as Mother Superior at the London Palladium in 2010, but this is the first time she will be back in the Habit following the Sister Act and Sister Act 2 films.

Fellow producer Jamie Wilson said: “It has been so exciting to work with Whoopi, Alan Menken, Douglas Carter Beane and Glenn Slater to revise and refresh Sister Act for this newly adapted production.

“This is a very special one-off opportunity created just for London to see one of the most loved actors of our time playing the part she is so famous and so loved for.

“The addition of Jennifer means that Sister Act truly promises to be the ultimate night of laughs and smiles with two comedy greats.

“I’m also thrilled that Brenda Edwards, who has been so instrumental in Whoopi agreeing to return to the stage, has been able to schedule her TV commitments so she can play Deloris on Thursday matinees. It really is going to be a brilliant Summer!”

Smooth Radio's Paul Phear said: “I saw Whoopi play the Mother Superior when she took over the part briefly about 10 years ago. The Palladium audience erupted with joy and disbelief when she walked on stage.

“She had to gesture to them to calm down before she could continue. Now to get her back as the washed out disco diva Deloris is an extraordinary coup for London theatre. She really has the star power and it’s a great musical too.”

A synopsis for the show reads: “Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

“Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent!  Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.”

Tickets are on sale now and start from £29.75, all the way up to £250.