Q&As // Michael Starke - Sister Act

One of TV’s most recognisable soap stars is heading back to Norwich Theatre Royal to star in the ultimate musical divine comedy Sister Act. Michael Starke aka Sinbad in Brookside is joining the cast of the sassy soulful show co-produced by Whoopi Goldberg and running from April 17-28. Here, Michael answers a few questions on his upcoming role...

Michael, nuns actually played a part in tempting you into performing didn’t you?When I was at St Anne’s infant school, the headmistress was a nun called Sister Veronica, and she told my mum, ‘If he’s not a comedian when he grows up I’ll eat my hat.

You started your professional career at Liverpool Playhouse in the mid-Eighties taking on a wide range of work but it was the character of Sinbad that really made your name.It has been eight years since the show finished yet I still get people calling me Sinbad now and again. Recently I was walking past a guy who just stopped and pointed and said ‘Window cleaner! Telly!’.

But it was gaining a part in the Cole Porter hit Anything Goes opposite Angela Rippon, which toured to Norwich Theatre Royal, that lit the fuse for you returning musical theatre.I loved doing that show. It was amazing and I worked with some great people but you know, Moonface is a killer part to play. Unless you do leave an impression, you shouldn’t be in the role.”

You did appear in both Coronation Street and The Royal on telly but seemed to miss treading the boards.I love musical theatre. It was the reason why I wanted to get into the business anyway.

Tell us a bit about your role as the Monsignor in Sister Act.The Mother Superior and the Monsignor start off very staid. They are the stabilising roles as the convent is under threat. They take that threat very seriously and have obviously both been there for years. They really care about the place. So, at the start we see that very ecclesiastical side to them, and then their fun side is revealed.

And you work with a brilliant cast include Coronation Street’s Denise Black and the fantastic stage performer Cynthia Erivo.From the moment you hear Cynthia Erivo singing her first song right at the start, you’re off your seat because this kid is going to be a superstar. She is absolutely amazing and her voice is unbelievable. Her first song just hits you and gets people going. We know from the reaction to that first song that we are going to have another great show. From then on every song is pertinent to its point in the show and some of them are very, very funny as well as being powerful. It’s just an amazing cast. There’s 31 performers without a weak link anywhere.

So it is definitely a feelgood show?It is about unity and about coming together and accepting people for who they are, regardless of their religion. It is a very spiritual show. You will go in and come out uplifted. It is a feel good production.

Sister Act runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday 17-Saturday 28 April at 7.30pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Please note there are no Sunday performances. Tickets £6.50-£42.50. For details, go to www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk