When I attended the Rocket Whip production of Nuns of Fury I posted online that it was the most fun you can have in a room full of nuns. I’ve since realised that I might be doing the cast a disservice, as I don’t quite recall many tales of raucous laughter and comical song with women of the cloth, so I’d like to rephrase my original statement.
Nuns of Fury is the most fun you can have at a rock/gospel musical, that should do it. Taking place at The Fitzgerald bar as part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival across threenights in July, the production’s summary mentions a convent of nuns “facing evil, loose morals,and their own demons” - which is a pretty accurate description of what unfolds.
Four nuns, a priest, and two criminals command the stage to create a relatable witty nostalgia for those who went to catholic school, and titillate those who didn’t.
Innuendos, comedic timing, mild audience interaction and the kind of D.I.Y world creation that tells you this is a labour of love for those involved, was exactly what you’d hope to find at a fringe festival. What took me by surprise however was the vocal ability of the cast involved. Remembering such musical performances as Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia, you can forgive any attempt at light-hearted melody, especially in a comedy and especially a fringe one at that. But here I was truly impressed.
Mother Superior played by Emily Millington was the most startling performance for me as the hairs on my skin were visibly on end throughout her musical numbers. Alongside Mother Superior was Father Q played by Jake Smeeton whose best kept secret was a broad and varied range that complimented the play rather spectacularly and made the jovial lyrics all the more enjoyable for hearing them sung in perfect key.
This is not to overlook the core collective of ‘sisters’ Agnes, Gabriel, and Julian played by Emily Spiers, Hannah Millington and Molly Hirst. Jointly and separately the ladies of the church were definitely showing a whole-hearted hallelujah spirit in their own vocal artistry.
We can’t however conclude a review of this production without mentioning the two crooks, Angelo (Luke Richards) and Benny (Josh Hawley) who have truly mastered the well-trodden formula of “straight” man and funny man. They gave every ounce of enthusiasm, talent, and yes in a crowded room above a bar in July - sweat, to this performance.
Did it make any sense? Not particularly, and did it need to? I’d argue not. What it did do is entertain in rather surprising ways. Would you enjoy it? Amen.
If Mag North did STARS...Rocket Whip's Nuns of Fury would be a 5!
