Review – Nuns by Robert Luxford at Tristan Bates Theatre

Review by Andreea Helen David.

Nuns is a fantastic satirical comedy that  pokes fun at the religious system.

The play, based on a book by Robert Luxford (the only man involved in the show) is set in a convent and presents us with 4 nuns, all devout catholics of course, that sometimes smoke weed and have sex .

We have Sister Bernedette (Cecile Sinclair) the innocent and easily played Bambi as Sister Catherine (Natalya Wolter Ferguson) calls her, that gets mixed up in a rather unpleasant business with the Sisters Cathrine and Rozza, the terrible duo.

The rebellious Sisters, Catherine and Rozza are trying to blackmail Mother Superior (Gillian Broderick) in order to be allowed to smoke, with a secret of a not very a cumenical activity. Because Bambi is involved, things get tangled revealing a need for change of the patriarchal rules and female equality in convents and churches and everywhere else.

Herein lies the beauty and brain of this show. The play entertains and opens up the door to a world less known to us but it proves change is mandatory for everyone. A feminist call that should lead to equality in sexes and roles. What a prfect way to start 2019 for Dutch Dame Productions!

An all female cast and production team this fun, spunky show is so smart and creative. Charlotte Everest‘s direction is physical and sexy allowing the actors to be free and improvise. Claire Sinclair is sublime as Sister Bernadette. Natalya Wolter Ferguson gives her character very different and very surprising layers and Rebecca Wilson as Sister Rozza gives this show amazing infusions of silliness and energy. Gillian Broderick is scary as Mother Superior but as she reveals herself and her herbal infusions you like her more and more until someone dies.

The audience enjoyed themselves tremendously as have I.

Where:  Tristan Bates theatre

When: until 26th of January

Time: 7:30pm

Tickets: here