Bad Habits, produced by No More Dramas, opened at the King’s Arm’s in Salford as one of the finals shows of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2026. It’s a comedy about a dwindling convent of nuns, all of dubious backgrounds and even more dubious names, that’s threatened with being disbanded and replaced by a Waitrose supermarket and their attempts to thwart things.
Mother Superior, Sister Patty O’Conor (Dale Vicker) has modelled herself on Mrs Brown, indeed she has. Her nemesis is Sister Misty Kuuntz (Stu Meevens), who is effectively Goebbels in a wimple. As time passes, we find that there are old scores to settle. The only male character is Father Pat Megroin (Luke Richards) who opens the show by addressing the parish meeting.
A lot of fun is poked at the Catholic Church, and although it’s not always perhaps in the best possible taste, it’s never cruel. The humour is robust but not offensive, and the language isn’t too profane, with double entendres keeping us laughing.
The characterisations by all are excellent, and everyone on stage has their moments. It’s difficult to say much more without spoiling things but suffice to say that things don’t quite go according to plan. It’s good.
The show is on again from August 5th to 9th (details and tickets). Do go along for 2 hours of laughing out loud.
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Online.
Don’t forget to use your Canal Street VIP Card at the bar.