The performance, which took place on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 March 2025 at the Arlington Arts Centre in Newbury, has received multiple individual nominations, with the entire cast selected for the coveted Best Ensemble 2025 category.

Sister Act, a feel-good musical comedy based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, was a resounding success. The story follows Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer who becomes a witness to a crime and is placed in protective custody at a convent. While struggling to adjust to the disciplined, quiet life of the nuns, Deloris takes charge of the convent’s struggling choir, transforming them into a sensational gospel ensemble and, in the process, breathing new life into the community. With a soulful score by Alan Menken (famed for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin) and lyrics by Glenn Slater, Sister Act features high-energy songs, laughter, and heart-warming moments.

This year’s production involved pupils from Year 7 through to Year 13, showcasing the breadth of talent within the school. Notable individual nominations include:

• Apple H (Year 11) as Deloris Van Cartier, nominated for Best Actress in a Musical 2025.
• Lizzie A (Year 11) as Mother Superior, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical 2025.
• Issy A (Year 11) as Sister Mary Robert, nominated for Best Female Musical Solo 2025.

The National Schools Theatre Awards® will take place on Monday 23 June 2025 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London. The evening will begin with a glamorous red-carpet arrival for the nominated schools, with a dress code celebrating glitz and glamour.

Reflecting on the production, Ruth Chaplin, Head of Performing Arts and director of the Sister Act production, shared her immense pride in the cast and crew: “I am beyond proud of our pupils for their dedication, talent, and passion in bringing Sister Act to life. Their energy, teamwork, and commitment to excellence made this production truly special. It has been a joy to witness their growth and creativity throughout the rehearsal process, and their performances were nothing short of outstanding.”

St Gabriel’s Principal, Ricki Smith, praised the school’s performing arts program and the dedication of the students: “At St Gabriel’s, we pride ourselves on offering a truly balanced education that nurtures creativity, confidence, and excellence. The Sister Act production was a testament to the hard work, talent, and passion of our pupils and staff. We are delighted by the recognition from the National Schools Theatre Awards and look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements on the national stage.”

St Gabriel’s remains committed to fostering a love for the performing arts and providing students with opportunities to shine. The success of Sister Act underscores the school’s dedication to excellence in the arts and its ability to produce outstanding theatrical performances year after year.