CURVE’S all-new production of Sister Act is on this week at the Bristol Hippodrome and it is an absolute stunner.

Alexandra Burke, who recently starred as Rachel Marron in the national tour of The Bodyguard, perfectly embodies the faaabulous Deloris Van Cartier.

Deloris’ plans to hit the big time as a disco diva are stopped dead when she witnesses a murder. She is forced to hide away in the one place no-one would think to look for her – a convent. Not much one for blending in, how will she get on surrounded by traditional nuns?

Watching the show, it is clear the cast are having a lot of fun and it is easy to catch their mirth. Sister Mary Patrick, played by Susannah Van Den Berg, is particularly comic.

But the musical also goes beyond one-dimensional portrayal of the nuns. The brilliant original music by eight-time Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater, is not just bright and catchy; it allows for more emotional journeys.

We hear Sister Mary Robert (Sarah Goggin) finally finding the bravery to lead ‘the life she never led’ and Mother Superior baring her heart in a perfectly-acted drunken prayer.

Across the board, the quality of acting is exceptional and it is impossible not to be impressed by the cast’s seemingly effortless ability to sing, dance and play a range of instruments all with such high energy. You wonder how they catch their breath!

The shows director and choreographer Craig Revel Harwood, known for being a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, could safely give himself a 10 out of 10.

Sister Act is on until Saturday and there are still some seats left. Visit atgtickets.com/Bristol to book.