Nunsense The Mega Musical

It could seem disrespectful, if not perhaps a little blasphemous, to laugh at a group of nuns but from the moment we entered the auditorium and were greeted by the nuns themselves, permission to laugh was granted. We were transported to their world where they were organising a fund-raising concert for their convent to bury the four dead nuns they had stored in the freezer. Yes I did say that!

The nuns just happen to be performing on the set of the musical Grease (don’t ask) so set was both functional and colourful with some wonderful 1950’s touches. The design team included the band well, without them looking out of place on stage, within a giant 1950s jukebox. Genius.

Although I personally prefer the original version of Nunsense (a 5 cast show) you cannot fault the attention to detail that director Andrew Cozens included in this production, especially in the moments of the show when it can be logistically tough, be it through covering a gap in the script or adding an extra gag for the audiences enjoyment.

The cast as an ensemble worked incredibly well and gave us a very solid and secure performance throughout. The singing was generally of a good standard accompanied by the brilliantly tight sounding four-piece band ably led by Jacqueline Francis. Choreography by Courtney Jones was at the right level for this group and suited the show well. She really thought about place and time, which are so important when choreographing a production.

The opening number of the show was followed by a quiz on its content, which resulted in some amusing audience participation and excellent ad-libbing on the part of Sister Amnesia, a role in which Sian Webb amused us throughout with her performance.  Her characterisation was spot on and her singing was both excellent and varied in style. Her ventriloquist act was quite a scene-stealer!

The role of the beloved Mother Superior of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, Sister Mary Regina, was in the hands of experienced performer Shelagh Scarborough whose energy and dry delivery was evident from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed her lip-curling and eye rolling reaction to any unwelcome news or experiences. She was also joyous when sampling a substance, which is clearly somewhat stronger than the chapel incense.  

Debi Lovell gave a sterling performance as Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices who kept all on stage in order including Mother Superior. Holier Than Thou was a real musical highlight.

The other two central nuns were Sister Mary Robert Anne who was mischievously portrayed by Delyse Hayward. Her rich singing voice was beautiful to listen to but there were just odd moments when she didn’t appear to look as confident as her streetwise character required.  Lily Webb took on the role of Sister Mary Leo always taking the opportunity to demonstrate her love of dance with great gusto.

My only real issue with this very enjoyable production was the lighting. On the evening I attended there seemed to be several times when the lighting was miss-timed with the action onstage creating moments with performers in darkness or unnecessary fades to black, making some sections look clumsier than they needed to. This is just something to consider with future productions.

The atmosphere in the theatre was electric, as one didn’t know what these nuns were up to next, but all the fun and comedy came over well and all on stage as well as in the audience thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

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