In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Hannah Rogerson, co-founder of Dog Complex Theatre, to discuss their show Nuns!
What can you tell me about your show?
A comedy set in Medieval Bavaria, the show centres around Sister Gertrude, a hell-fearing nun unable to keep her sinful thoughts in check. When word of witch-burnings reaches her secluded convent, she sets out to rid the world (and herself) of devilry and naughty lustfulness. But when she is joined in her quest across Bavaria by mysterious witch-hunter Yarrow, their friendship may make her question what she thought she knew to be true.
Expect yearning, burning, and concerning…ly good theatre.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
You know when you were younger and you used to put on plays with your cousins that you forced your parents to watch? It’s kind of like that but imagine you’ve been working on the show for 2 years and you have an award-winning director.
It’s co-written/devised by the three cast members (Hebe Bartlett, Lili Herbert, and Hannah Rogerson) and our director (Zachary Hunt from the globally acclaimed Police Cops) so there is a certain amount of his house-style in the absurd hilarity and frenetic physical theatre. But also with high melodrama, improv, circus skills, magic, original songs, and a passionate love for the joy and ridiculousness of female friendship and desire.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Hmmmm. I don’t think I would describe the writing of this show as a lightbulb moment so much as a very slow increase on a dimmer switch to a (hopefully) blazing light. Working collaboratively, we’ve reworked and rewritten the show so many times; we’ve completely changed the role of characters, thrown away fully written songs, deleted some of our favourite jokes, all in the aid of making it the funniest and most narratively satisfying show we can make.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Without sounding like literally every person right now, the news is sad and scary. This show is a funny joyous spectacle with a lovely message of self-acceptance. Come hang with us.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Pilates and gentle kisses to myself in the mirror.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
The humble wimple.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My vape (not proud).
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
A couple of nice reviews, to have made connections with other up-and-coming theatre companies and comedians, and to have entertained our audiences.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Wowww so many. I run an alt comedy night down in London called Speakeasy and we’ve had a bunch of fantastic acts that are coming up to fringe with brilliant shows this year. Off the top of my head Lady Bolognese: Class War, Dru Cripps: Juicy Bits, Andrew Doherty: Reviewers Welcome… TO DIE! and Mothman: A Romance Musical. Also, we found Lili when she was in a play with theatre company MaybeULikeIt and they are always bringing up funny innovative plays (two this year I think), so check them out as well!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
There’s a GREAT vegan donut shop near Summerhall called Considerit. And the castle-themed arcade on Portobello beach. Go forth.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Fantasy romp with elasticated wimples.
What keeps you inspired?
Seeing funny shows with a lot of effort behind them that feel authentic to the people creating them.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
“Oh my god that was so funny I think I’ve actually pissed myself. I’m slightly worried for the integrity of my pelvic floor because I’ve literally peed in my seat due to the comedy of that show. Also, maybe I’m completely fine and enough the way I am. Apart from all the piss – the piss is a huge problem”
When and where can people see the show?
8:45pm Assembly Studio 5, 5th-31st of August (excl. 17th & 25th)
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/nuns
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