Run To The Nuns is an extremely well constructed and developed musical that is focused on women in general, sexual health, religion and same sex relationships that overlap with each other in a gentle, accessible way. Set in a 'modern nunnery', we see the Mother Superior Doc (Estelle Homerstone who also produced the show) creating a safe space for women who need to reset, heal and more. She does this by combining her faith, as well as holistic means such as yoga to create a more inclusive experience for all who enter her venue. When a young accountant arrives as her latest patient, things change rather abruptly as secrets are discovered and past love is revealed.
A great show that has a lot of potential to succeed
Whilst this is a great show that has a lot of potential to succeed with one or two plots to expand on, with multiple shows happening at the same time in other parts of Caravanserai and ambient music outside and only hand held mics for just the songs, this made it difficult to fully connect with the storyline, as the spoken script in between songs was off mic and sometimes faded into the background making it harder to hear at times what was going on. If headset mics had been provided, then it would have been easier to follow and not worry about having to really concentrate on all happening in front of us. If it had been performed in a normal theatre context, then this may have been a better platform for Run To The Nuns to showcase this strong, talented cast.
Some great moments however were enjoyed from the cast. Such as the cute relationship between past lovers Orlagh and Kat (Eve Pereira and Izzie Winter). The connection these two was explored well as the plaster was painfully peeled off with elements of their past slowly bubbling to the surface. The trust between Pereira and Winter was extremely delicately handled and between them, we saw a relationship that had potential to work again if they overcame their own respective fears.
Cat Thomas took on the free spirited Sage, who represented the holistic practices of the convent. She threw herself into the character fully and enabled her creative side to fully explore her comedic talent and physical prowess as she took on someone who is strong enough to follow her own path and be proud of it. Thomas is one to watch in the future for sure based on her flair for eccentric character such as Sage.
But it was Homerstone's Doc that took centre stage as she embraced an equal balance of warmth, tough love and fairness in order to run her unique enterprise. She was a natural leader within the cast and raised our spirits in the best way possible through mindful comedy and song.
With insightful original songs and colourful characters, Run To The Nuns has potential to go further with the right venue. One to look out for in the future.
