BIRDS of a Feather star Lesley Joseph will play Mother Superior in Sister Act when the musical arrives in Southampton next year.

She will appear alongside Emmerdale soap favourite Sandra Marvin, who will perform the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier.

Direct from a London season at the Eventim Apollo, the tour is at Mayflower Theatre from May 2 to 6 2023. Sister Act has been particularly popular with city audiences in the past. 

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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.

Lesley Joseph is best known for playing Dorien Green in the hugely successful sitcom Birds of a Feather alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. Lesley’s theatre credits include Annie and Calendar Girls.

Having played Jessie Grant in ITV’s Emmerdale for two years, Sandra Marvin joined the West End and touring productions of Waitress.

The cast also includes Lizzie Bea (Heathers, Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Fat Friends) as Sister Mary Robert. Sister Act features original music by Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. It's produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tickets are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.