AFTER seeing Sister Act once at the Opera House, I didn’t expect the Sale Grammar School version could measure up.

It was a wonderful surprise when they almost reached that standard.

Daisy Miles, the sixth former with the award-winning voice is well cast as Deloris van Cartier, the show girl who takes refuge in a convent.

Daisy obviously loves singing and dancing performing with an energetic verve which gets the Valentine’s night audience tapping their feet.

Her character adds a sparkle to the show and her stage presence is remarkable.

Deloris’s arrival takes aback Emma Wilcox’s Mother Superior who runs her convent with strict orderliness.

The nuns, are won round by her hot gospel style which miraculously puts bums on Abbey seats.

Thanks to their teachers, the nuns in the chorus sing and dance well.

The boys who play the mobsters who chase Deloris, are an amusing bunch of dimwits including Joey (Charles Edwards), Pablo (Rahul Roy ) and TJ (James Gadd).

They are led by Deloris’s ex, Curtis, played by Robert Counsel. Robert sings When I find my Baby beautifully, his voice and sentiments sending shivers down your spine.

The school orchestra, led by Daniel James, provides the backing for all the soloists.

Particularly impressive are Emma Wilcox’s I haven’t got a prayer, and James Gadd, Charles Edwards and Rahul Roy’s Lady in the long Black Dress.

Thomas Beswick, who plays a hesitant policeman, also displays a lovely voice in I could be that Guy and Millie Royle as Sister Mary Robert does well with The Life I never led.

Well done director Christopher Townsend and other staff involved. not forgetting the brilliant pupils.

Star rating: * * * * *