Whoopi Goldberg to star as Deloris in new Sister Act in London

UPDATE: Sister Act is now postponed to 2022, with Whoopi Goldberg no longer playing Deloris Van Cartier. Read here for more information.

A new production of Sister Act is set to open in London next summer, with Whoopi Goldberg set to star as Deloris van Cartier, reprising the role she originated in the 1992 comedy film. 

The production, which was announced in July, will have an updated script which has reworked the role of Deloris - a lounge singer who is placed on witness protection programme whereby she joins a convent - for an "older actor". Goldberg will be joined by Jennifer Saunders, who will play the role of Mother Superior. 

Sister Act will run at the Eventim Apollo in London from 29th July to 30th August.

Whoopi Goldberg, who is also producing the show with Jamie Wilson, joined the cast of the original London production - which opened at the London Palladium in 2009 starring Patina Miller - as Mother Superior for a limited engagement in August 2011. However, she was forced to cancel her final appearances in the role owing to family reasons, but made five subsequent appearances in October of that year, the week prior to the show's closure. She will play the lead role of Deloris for the first time in the musical in this production. 

Jennifer Saunders will also star in the production, playing the role of Mother Superior. The three-time BAFTA award is set to appear in the West End next year in Blithe Spirit, and is known for her performances in the TV shows Absolutely Fabulous and her sketch comedy show with writing partner Dawn French, French and Saunders.

Brenda Edwards, who stars as Deloris during the UK tour, will play the role on Thursday matinee performances. She rose to fame following her appearance in the second series of talent series The X Factor, in which she places fourth. She went on to make appearances on the West End stage in shows such as Chicago, We Will Rock You and Carmen Jones.

The musical, which features a score written by Alan Menken, includes songs such as "Take Me to Heaven", "Raise Your Voice" and "Spread the Love Around". 

Further casting and creative team for Sister Act is yet to be announced.

Sister Act will run at the Eventim Apollo from 29th July to 30th August.

Sister Act tickets are available now.

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