Hannah Hamilton
Church is sexier than I remember. Claire Robin is a naughty nun in this exploration of religion and the body that will have you howling in praise.
Decked out in a (nearly) full habit, Robin approaches the often solemn and stiff topic of religion with a vivacious freedom and lust. Anyone who spent their childhood in church will recognise the characters and ceremonies, delightfully abstracted by Robin onstage much to the audience’s awe.
I say ‘abstracted’, but really Robin cleverly builds upon some of the already abstract rituals of faith. Although the bizarre sketches may be irreverent to some, they clearly show a deep connection to faith; Robin’s youth pastor character felt like he walked right out of my Sunday school. Only someone who has grown up in the church could so accurately mock some of it’s more bizarre features and figures. The nun character is a perfect vessel for this chiding, her body shrouded in robes, her somber visage, the restriction implied by her position… all of these create the perfect framework for a hilarious subversion of holiness.
Whilst being, first and foremost, a ridiculous and raunchy show, this comedy does have real substance. I could not help but feel the catharsis in the nun’s liberation, in the gentle prodding at the drama of Catholic symbolism, and the hypocrisy of the mainstream church. Crucially, it is not faith that is being mocked in this show, but the bizarre mechanics of practicing religion. Removing religious ritual from its context in some fabulous clowning work, Robin highlights the absurdity of the whole affair. The result is pure comedy. However odd it is to take your communion in a Fringe show from a slutty nun, it is no more strange than the ritual of doing so from a priest in a real church.
Nun Slut is so enjoyable because it gives voice to observations that ring true- we can all agree that religion is a bit weird. Still, the audience come together like a congregation to experience the show in all it’s glory. Robin encourages the audience to get involved in the praise, much like church itself, there is no hands-free worship here. This performance reels you in as the nun leaves it all on the stage, fully committed to the mission. A mischievous host, Robin has incredibly keen instincts for comedy, commanding the audience with precision and care. The absolute best way to enjoy this show is to get fully onboard, up close, and praise the lord with all you’ve got.
Definitely the cheekiest nun show you will see all Fringe, this show is a bodily joy. It is feminist and liberating, critiquing religion whilst keeping reverence with faith. The body is a vessel for laughter and freedom, breaking taboo finding pleasure in one wild hour. I highly highly recommend making time to see Nun Slut this Fringe, Claire Robin is surreal and stunning in this performance. So, so weird… so, so sexy… and so, so worthy of praise.
Recommended Drink: In an interview with BingeFringe, Robin said a Bloody Mary was the best drink for this show. It’s a good choice, but for me I would recommend Communion Wine served with a crazy straw, for obvious reasons.
Catch Nun Slut at Blether at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 5-31st August (not 9, 12, 26) at 18.20 (1hr). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Ellen Leslie
Isobel Jacob
Freddie Haberfellner
