Picture: Pamela Raith
We’ll Have Nun of It continues at the Underbelly, Cowgate – Belly Button until 27 August 2023.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
A boundless, energetic cast of five (Angel Lema, Chaya Gupta, Heather Gourdie, Juliette Artigala and Michaela Murphy), displaying a remarkable array of musical, instrumental and vocal talent, takes us on a high-octane, rollercoaster ride, so hang on to your hats and enjoy the journey.
Based on real-life conversations with the writer’s grandmother we are taken back to the 1960s where we follow the lives, loves and angsts of five school friends growing up in a highly controlled environment, all searching for answers about domestic issues, sexuality, the Catholic church, their faith and its impact on their daily lives.
Each character takes us on their unique as well as shared journey, telling us through song, how their friendships have inspired and supported each other’s choices; challenges too difficult to face on their own are shared openly and frankly with each other and we witness how friendship can encourage and inspire life choices. It’s a journey you want to follow.
Direction from Rosie Dart (also co-writer of the book with the show’s composer and lyricist Finola Southgate) is excellent – we move seamlessly from both individual storylines to collective thoughts. The staging has clarity and purpose, movement is minimal but highly effective.
Southgate’s musical score is inspiring and uplifting, a virtuoso mix taking us succinctly between pop, soul, Irish folk and choral music (Honor Halford-MacLeod is the orchestrator and musical director).
This song cycle and storytelling journey will lift your spirits until you can’t help but join in and celebrate the wonders of youth and its indomitable spirit.
Flo White
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