Fans of ‘90s film Sister Act are having their prayers answered as the new stage adaptation hits the road for a UK tour.

The show, which stars Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, will be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Monday, February 6 to Saturday, February 11.

You can book tickets online here or call 03433 100033.

Lesley, who starred alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson in the TV sitcom from 1989 to 1998, and again in the revival from 2014 to 2020, will play the role of Mother Superior in the stage show.

“Mother Superior is quite strict and holy,” says the 77-year-old actor. “She provides the juxtaposition of strict religious beliefs against this entirely over-the-top being, which is Deloris Van Cartier. You need the two extremes to rub up against one another, and sparks fly.”

The musical, based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, follows disco diva Deloris whose life is suddenly turned upside down when she witnesses a murder.

She is placed under protective custody and, to keep her safe, is hidden in a convent where she joins her new sisters in an unconventional choir.

The show features an original score by Alan Menken, who is also known for his award-winning work on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted.

“I think the soundtrack is amazing,” says Lesley. “I must say, the audience responses so far have made me feel like we’re doing a pop concert. The musical doesn’t have the music from the film, but it’s Alan Menken’s music - who is a genius.”

The score is heavily influenced by Motown, soul and disco and includes numbers such as Take Me to Heaven and Fabulous Baby.

Performing in Sister Act alongside Lesley is Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe, West End sensation Lizzie Bea and Emmerdale and Waitress star Sandra Marvin.

“It’s a production that says something about community, and that’s one thing that the lockdown showed us was important – caring about your neighbours, caring about your friends, and helping those in need.

“It’s an absolutely joyous musical! To see the audiences at the end, where they stand waving their arms and singing along, they rediscover the joy of theatre.”