Issy Cory
Sister Gertrude is on a journey to become the most pious of them all. And what’s the most pious thing you can do? Burn witches, of course! Along with witch-hunter partner-in-crime Yarrow, Nuns! follows Sister Gertrude’s journey through the sinful and the silly, with plenty of bible lessons along the way.
Dog Complex Theatre are not afraid to look ridiculous onstage, and how lucky are we to bear witness. Every five seconds contains a wheeze-worthy punchline, and their devised characters are too funny to comprehend.
There is no extra special shining star amongst this troupe, instead we watch three comedy legends traipse the stage in search for increasingly hilarious stints. Flickers of improvised material here and there catch other actors off-guard, and we laugh with every corpse and stifled giggle.
The concept is perfectly pitched; our medieval, otherworldly setting depicting the path to Würzburg allows for some funky interactions. Sort of like… going through the legs of a mysterious cave-dweller as a shortcut to the witch-burning equivalent of Bethlehem, or telling your darkest secrets to a troll drawn onto an actor’s back, or roller-skate dancing with a naked monk… You know, just girly-pop things!
There are so many serious stories to see during the Fringe, people coming to pour their hearts out onstage about past traumas, or confronting their innermost demons. To them I say, you do you boo, but sometimes mama just wants to laugh her butt off at a bishop beatboxing in tight white shorts. Sue me!
A diamond in the rough, Nuns! is one of those that, once you see it, you will want to keep tabs on everything this company does for the rest of all time. Dog Complex Theatre, we thank you.
BTW, the soundtrack slaps big-time.
Recommended Drink: Holy Water !
You can catch Nuns! at Assembly George Square Studios from August 24-31 at 20:45 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Salvador Kent
Hannah Hamilton
Isobel Jacob
