Nunsense

What a refreshing and entertaining night this turned out to be. Faced by a cast of nuns giving their all in the opening numbers, one wondered what was coming next. Decorous at first then bursting into energetic moves, the nuns took the audience into immediate enjoyment zone. The incredulous story of a cooking disaster which decimated the convent and depleted their monetary resources so that they could not pay for the last three funerals - who were stored in the freezer! - meant they were putting on a concert to raise funds. Cue lots of fun and laughter aplenty. It was a strong female cast. Shirley McNulty as the Reverend Mother threw herself into the role of leader, of organiser and of dealing with factions. She caught the distracted character and was hilarious under the influence of drugs with her solo ‘Turn Up The Spotlight’. Her second in command Sister Hubert, played by Jo McKie, with an eye on promotion carried off the straighter role with aplomb singing beautifully in duets and in leading everyone on the finale ‘I’m Holier Than Thou’. Chris Taylor as Sister Robert Anne, the diva who wanted but was denied a solo, gave a powerful performance as the overlooked rebel with the trainers. Her solos, ‘Playing Second Fiddle’ and ‘I Just Want To Be A Star’ demonstrated her singing talent and energetic characterisation. Susan McFarlane as Sister Amnesia was a joy. With well timed quips and delivery, she took us through from the comically forgetful nun with woeful face to a raving nun with backing group and wigs in ‘I Could Have Gone To Nashville’. In the number ‘So You Want To Be A Nun’ complete with puppet Sister Mary Annette, she revealed her versatility as well as the character. Cherry Hayburn was in fine voice as Sister Leo and Hannah Sanderson came across well as the disastrous cook, Sister Julia. But all the Sisters and four Brothers took on their roles with gusto never missing a beat in the company numbers ‘The Nunsense is Habit Forming’, the tap dancing in ‘Tackle That Temptation’ and with the yellow gloves in ‘We’ve Got To Clean Out The Freezer’ dragging the wrapped up bodies across the stage. Singing was clear and well enunciated throughout so that the storyline could be followed. All seemed comfortable and natural in their roles. This was a well executed and entertaining show. Congratulations to all.

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