Imagine Sister Act crashing headlong into St Trinian’s and you’ve got the gloriously chaotic energy of Bad Habits. Stu Meevens’ irreverent comedy throws a convent into crisis as an eccentric order of nuns hatch an increasingly ridiculous plan to save their home from becoming a supermarket, by stealing a collection of holy relics, resulting in two hours of organised theatrical mayhem.
Meevens’ script is packed with one-liners, running gags and knowingly daft wordplay. The sisters’ names alone range from gloriously cheesy to outrageously NSFW that would make the Pope blush. Not every joke is original, but even the more telegraphed punchlines land thanks to the confidence and commitment of an experienced cast who know exactly how to sell them.
Leading the convent is Dale Vicker’s wonderfully sharp Sister Patty O’Doors, whose permanently unimpressed demeanour often feels as though she’s channeling Sister Michael from Derry Girls. Melissa Smethurst brings a similarly acerbic edge to the formidable Sister Sledge, the pair delivering deadpan put-downs with impeccable timing.
Emma Morgan is hugely enjoyable as the delightfully vacant Sister Cammy Sol, while Polly Hazelrigg’s sweetly earnest Sister Mary Ann Joseph has knowingly wandered straight out of a Julie Andrews musical.
One of the evening’s biggest laughs comes entirely by accident when Hazelrigg almost wipes out an audience member with a swinging guitar case, a perfectly unscripted moment that somehow feels entirely in keeping with the production’s anarchic spirit.
Writer Stu Meevens also steals scenes as the gloriously villainous Sister Misty Kuuntz, serving up deliciously over-the-top Frau Farbissina (Austin Powers) energy whenever she appears.
Everything moves at a frantic pace so there are inevitable stumbles – occasional fluffed lines, character name mix-ups and the odd prop deciding to disintegrate mid-scene – but rather than detracting, they simply add to the sense that absolutely anything could happen next.
The only section that slightly outstays its welcome is the central heist itself. Hearing the increasingly absurd caper unfold offstage is amusing, but actually seeing some of the action may have sustained the momentum better. Likewise, a few moments of unclear diction mean the witty dialogue occasionally disappears into the ether.
Still, thoughtful touches (such as the organ rendition of Eye of the Tiger accompanying the sisters’ preparations) elevate an already entertaining evening. Chaotic, cheeky and full of heart, Bad Habits proves that sometimes theatrical perfection is far less fun than glorious, joyfully committed disorder. Amen to that – b**ch.
Bad Habits runs from Wednesday 5th-Sunday 9th August. For tickets and more info visit https://kingsarmssalford.com/events/
Reviewer: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 31st July 2026
North West End UK Rating: