
Whoopi Goldberg has dropped out of the planned UK theatre production of Sister Act after the show was delayed by a year due to the pandemic.
Goldberg had been set to star as Deloris van Cartier, a nightclub singer who is forced to hide from gangsters in a convent, in the London production of the musical. She originally played the role in the 1992 comedy film upon which the stage show is based.
Announcing the news, Goldberg said: “Sister Act is near and dear to my heart. And I’m disappointed.
“My producing partners and I will continue to work towards mounting a fantastic production, with an amazing new cast,” she added.
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“We look forward to presenting it when it can be done safely for everyone onstage, behind the scenes and in the audience.”
Sister Act was scheduled to begin its run at London’s Eventim Apollo theatre this summer, but has now been pushed back until next July.
The show’s run at the Apollo will now last from 19 July until 28 August, 2022. This will be followed by a tour of the UK and Ireland.
Organisers have confirmed that those who had tickets for current dates will be contacted by ticket providers and given a choice between re-scheduling or arranging a refund.