The film was a huge success based significantly on a powerhouse of comedic perfromances, most notably from Whoopi; a simple, yet effective script; and the adaption of some classic 1960’s soul tunes, most notably the reworking of Mary Wells’ “My Guy” to “My God”.

Unfortunately, much of what makes the film so enjoyable is in short supply here.

The heart and soul of the show are Jennifer Saunders and Beverley Knight, for very different reasons. Saunders’ experience in comedy shines supremely. Her phrasing, timing and physicality are a joy to watch, and she manages to bring laughs to the most flaccid of jokes. Knight’s musicality is unreproachable, and she certainly gives the mixed blessing of a score its best possible outing. Her acting is confident and exuberant, however, alongside Saunders, her comedy chops needs some refinement.

The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. Clive Rowe and Lizzie Bea, as police officer Eddie Southern and Sister Mary Robert, respectively, are standout. However, Leslie Joseph, as Sister Mary Lazarus is woefully used. A strong pedigree in theatre and comedy, she’s basically given some cheesy one-liners and left to sexually gyrate her hips in a lazy attempt at comedy.