Nunsense

From the moment we entered the auditorium, John and I knew this was going to be a show like no other.  We were greeted nuns playing a game of basketball, and getting members of the audience to ‘shoot baskets’ with them. A great idea.

Now, Nunsense is not your usual type of show about Nuns, The Sound of Music this is not. This is a laugh out loud comedy about five nuns putting on a concert to raise money do they can afford a funeral for four dead sisters, who are currently in the deep freezer back at the Convent. 

This show was masterclass in theatre. Ian Price (Musical Director) managed to get the most amazing sound out of the very small cast, with fantastic harmonies. His band were also great and didn’t over the power the performers. Geoff Whitfield (Director) step forward and take a bow. This is how you direct comedy. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Baking with the BVM’ scene and Sister Amnesia’s quiz.

Now, for Nunsense to be successful, you need five excellent women. Take2 had no need to worry with the five pros that this production had. Sue Higgins, played the role of the Mother Superior to perfection. Her accent, her gestures were on point. Her rendition of ‘I see the Spotlight’ was a highlight of the evening, and we, as audience members are so lucky that Sue can’t ‘resist its call’. Lucy Cooper made a charming if not ditzy Sister Mary Leo, the nun who has aspirations to become the first Nun Ballerina. Her dying Nun ballet which in which she was partnered with Sammie Kissack as Sister Robert Anne was a delight to watch, and both performers put in 100%. Lucy also has a terrific voice and, I would love to see her play Laurey in Oklahoma one day.  Sarah Plume as Sister Mary Hubert, showed what a skilled actress she is and has a power house of a voice. ‘Holier than Thou’ was going round my head all night and all the next day.

Now, where would any production of Nunsense be without Sister Mary Amnesia? The entire audience love Amnesia, and here she was brilliantly portrayed by Julie Whitfield. From the moment she entered with the confused look on her face to the moment that she exited, when she finally remembered that she is in fact Sister Mary Paul, Julie was every inch the Amnesia we have all come to love.

From singing puppets, to the wicked witch of the West this production had it all. I also, have to say this, it’s one of my favourite shows of the year. Thank you again Take2 for your kind hospitality, and here’s to The Full Monty

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