When the advertisement for Nun Slut dropped into my inbox in the run-up to the Fringe, I knew it was a show that simply couldn’t be missed – and I was right.
The title operates on a pleasant level of shock factor, with enough ambiguity to encourage curiosity over rejection. An effective method to get people through the door – and once that door is closed, there’s no leaving as an hour of skillful, if slightly intimidating, clowning ensues.
Claire Robins has brought the big guns of clowning to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with Nun Slut, successfully walking the line between basic, familiar clown comedy and complete comic genius. The most commendable comic skill Claire has in her arsenal (pun very, very intended), other than the insane number of grapes she can fit in her mouth, is incredible timing. She played the audience fluently, drawing laughs like, well, like nuns to confession, from an audience that could have easily sat silently in such a strange little room.
I couldn’t tell you why I found Nun Slut so desperately funny. I wish I could. Perhaps there’s just something about making audience members hoover the stage that’s so simple, yet so ridiculous, that works a treat on Fringe audiences. Or, perhaps, it was Claire’s bare arse. Flashing the cheeks is a classic move for a reason. Flashing the cheeks of a woman dressed as a nun? Somehow, next level. Congrats, Claire!
I spent the majority of the show in complete bafflement at what was happening on the stage, but I realise now that the joy of Claire Robin’s show comes from harbouring secrecy and mystery surrounding the premise, and creating a brilliantly confused crowd as a result. There were a few moments, albeit brief, where the bit had certainly been worn out and the audience was ready to move on – in particular, a moment featuring a slightly erotic dustpan and brush – yet Nun Slut holds onto a very strong four stars as a fantastically unique show that will certainly contribute a memorable experience to your 2026 Edinburgh Fringe experience.
Nun Slut: The Where, When, and How
Nun Slut is running from the 5- 31 August at 6.20pm at Gilded Balloon’s Patter House. You can, and should, book your tickets here if you’re feeling like a wild night out with a nun and her poorly stitched habit.
Enjoyed this review? You can read more of Brigs’ growing Edinburgh Fringe coverage here.
Featured Image Credit: Nun Slut//Graham Webster PR
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