A LEADING Inverclyde theatre group have had their prayers answered — after securing the rights to perform worldwide hit Sister Act to mark their milestone 40th anniversary.

Greenock Light Opera Club (GLOC) snapped up the rights to perform the feel-good show, based on the well-known 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg as soon as they became available to amateur clubs for the first time.

Now the much-loved musical theatre group will be performing the show at the Beacon Arts Centre next month to celebrate 40 years in Hollywood style — and the show is on course for a sell-out.

Three local leading ladies have been transformed from sinners to saints to fill the main roles, including actress Kirsty Campbell as Deloris, the character made famous by Goldberg. Kirsty has taken centre stage in many of GLOC’s past productions including Calamity Jane, Beauty and the Beast and Carousel. Her last local role was as one of the three witches in Sideline Productions’ The Witches of Eastwick, which ran at the Beacon in May this year.

Completing the top trio are fellow ‘witches’ Sarah Campbell and Elaine Graham, who have been cast as nuns in the convent Deloris hides in. Before Deloris goes undercover as a nun, Sarah and Elaine also play her nightclub backing singers, Tina and Michelle.

Kirsty said: “I was absolutely delighted to be cast as Deloris, which is completely different from any role I have ever played before.

“Sister Act is a fantastic show which is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face as it’s so upbeat, the music is wonderful, and there are so many funny moments.

“The cast are all working so hard to make this the best show we’ve ever done, and I can’t wait to get started.” The show’s many fast-paced routines are being choreographed by Linda Jackson, of Jackson Dance Academy, who has been putting the stars, nuns and chorus through their paces at rehearsals. Linda recently choreographed Thoroughly Modern Millie at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre. Director Jon Cuthbertson, from Glasgow, is taking charge of a GLOC show for the first time, but has extensive experience in directing musicals such as Calamity Jane and Oklahoma for other clubs.

He is also an experienced actor, performing in pantomimes, musicals and comedies in theatres around Glasgow, such as the Theatre Royal and the Tramway.

The show’s musical director, Kieran Young is a talented final year bachelor of music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Sarah Campbell, GLOC president, said: “We wanted to make sure we had a really special show to mark our 40th anniversary and we have definitely done that in Sister Act.

“Rehearsals have been so much fun and we are really excited about getting started.

“All five performances are selling fast and Friday night is already almost sold out.

“So if you don’t want to miss out, you’ll need to get your tickets quickly.” l Tickets are available from the Beacon box office on 723723 or through the website.