Whoopi Goldberg forced to drop out of Sister Act revival as show is pushed back to 2022

Whoopi Goldberg will not long reprise the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the West end revival of Sister Act The Musical after the stage show was forced to postpone for another year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The production, which was also set to star Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior, was originally due to arrive in summer 2020 before being pushed back to 2021 in the wake of the pandemic.

Now, producers have confirmed that the show has once against been pushed back, this time to 19 July-28 August 2022 – a change that means Goldberg, 65, can no longer take part.

Ticket-holders will have their tickets automatically moved to the equivalent date in the new run, but they will also be able to seek a refund.

Goldberg, who starred in the original 1992 film and its 1993 sequel, Sister Act: Back in the Habit, said in a statement: “Sister Act is near and dear to my heart and I’m disappointed that I will be unable to perform in this production under the circumstances. 

“However, my producing partners and I will continue to work towards mounting a fantastic production, with an amazing new cast and we look forward to presenting it when it can be done safely for everyone onstage, behind the scenes and in the audience.”

Producer Jamie Wilson says: “This new version of Sister Act The Musical has been in development for several years now and both Whoopi and I are committed to launching this celebratory, joyous and life affirming production with audiences in the UK.

“We can’t wait for everyone involved in the show to get back to doing what they love. We are now in the process of putting together a star-studded cast and will be able to share this news with you soon.

“We look forward to us all supporting and celebrating theatre when we return to the stage. It will be worth the wait”.