I've never heard quite such an awful opening number to any musical I've ever been to.

The nuns screeching across the stage was toe-curling....but hilarious in equal measure.

Sister Act opened at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford last night to a packed out audience.

It was a regular film in my house growing up (although Back in the Habit might edge it for me) and I was excited to see how they would bring it alive on stage.

And like with all good adaptations, it had enough similarities without trying to replicate it to keep the hardcore fans satisfied but interested.

The first act introduced us to the characters. The adorable and exciteable nuns, the angry mother superior, the three fools trying to catch Deloris Van Cartier and the woman herself.

It was laugh out loud funny from the start. The highlight for me was Sister Clarence getting her tone deaf sisters into shape.

I had tears streaming from the moment Monsignor O'Hara and Mother Superior discovered they could sing until the end of the act. It was marvellous.

The second act told the story we all know. My only disappointment was no version of 'My God' from the film. But Take Me To Heaven was a more than adequate substitute. It's still in my head this morning.

The cast were superb and the relationship between Lesley Joseph and Sandra Marvin as the lead roles was lovely to watch.

A special mention has to be made for Clive Rowe, his voice was my favourite to listen to in I Could Be That Guy and was also a great comedy performer.

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.

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.

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.