We’ll Have Nun Of It, The Other Palace Review

Reviews

24 Feb

Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Sequestered in the basement studio of The Other Palace lies a show that you could be forgiven for thinking comes straight out of Kilburn or Caledonian Road. It’s bursting so full with craic, joy le vie, and a cheeky wagon wheel or two. We’ll Have Nun Of It is a poignant, beautiful coming of age story set in 1967 London at St Anne’s Convent College.

The cast of this show are absolutely phenomenal musicians who truly put 110% effort into their performances. The show is centred around four seventeen year olds experiencing their last year of college as they explore themselves and what they will become before going into the wider world of adulthood. Sweet Bernie (Heather Gourdie) is a forgotten remnant of her father’s first marriage and has been left to fend for herself as he sets up his new life. Caring Caragh (Michaela Murphy) is a lively and fiercely independent girl who has travelled away from her stifling family farm in Ireland to build a new life and career for herself as a nurse. Rebellious Eliza (Angel Lema), is a proud feminist protesting women’s rights and clashing with the rigid doctrines of the college. This contrasts with her beloved friendship with devout Mary (Juliette Artigala) who is questioning her call to the sisterhood. Finally, is Sorrel Jordan who fabulously plays a multitude of characters including pretentious prefect Sarah and a variety of nuns who range from terrifying to sweet.

I was highly impressed by how much camaraderie and chemistry these cast had in the show. I was blown away but how talented they were in producing a fantastic score of rock, Irish folk and pop music to underscore their experiences in haunting harmonies I will remember for a long time to come. The musical director Rosie Weston and lyricist Finola Southgate have definitely excelled in creating and directing this score which is an extraordinary wall of sound crafted by 5 powerhouse voices.

Although this show is set in 1967 it’s interesting to see how little has changed from my personal experiences in the 90’s. These education institutions have the static stubbornness of the Mountains o' Mourne and all the little jokes and witty comments perfectly encapsulated the fond and terrifying memories of growing up in a school run by nuns. These jokes which were absolutely hysterical to those who experienced this also translated well to those who grew up in state and non-denominational schools as well. The audience definitely seemed to agree with me as many laughed loudly and often as well as clapping and cheering wildly at the curtain call.

Although much of this show was highly comedic it was not afraid to highlight the dark challenges faced by the Irish community at this time. Caragh’s aunt highlights the harsh attitudes to abortion and the negative backlash Irish immigrants faced coming over to London in post war Britain. The attitudes towards LGBTQIA are also explored in a subtle queer romance which slowly unfolded between two of the characters which was very touching to see. This show also refers to darker elements of the church’s history with vulnerable characters called to ‘have tea’ with the priest attached to the school. These subjects are raised obliquely within the characters experiences and conversations and although it can be frustrating as none of them are ‘solved’ it shows the realities of the time in a very nuanced way. Director Rosie Dart and Producer Fran Davies-Cáceres have worked well to create a profound show which explores with so much depth in an hour and a half running time.

I have never experienced a show which captures the beautiful bonds of friendship students can form with each other quite so well as this one. You sincerely root for these four characters to succeed in their struggles and find their ways to independence in all its varied and beautiful ways.

If you’re searching for a show filled with Irish good cheer, terrifying nuns and passionate musicians that feels like a love letter to all survivors of a Covent education then this is definitely the show for you.

At The Other Palace studio until 10 March.