Prudence Play
May 1 – May 2
$15 – $50
Written and performed by Caroline Dunn
Directed by Frances Rippy
May 1st-2nd
May 1 @7pm, May 2nd @2pm, May 2nd @7pm
After a 5-star Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut and a sold out NYC extended run, writer and performer Caroline Dunn is bringing her one-woman-show PRUDENCE PLAY to Philly for only 3 shows!
Prudence Play (or Sister Prudence is Not Gay!) stars a young catholic nun having an identity (gay-as-hell) crisis. From her fever dream of tap dancing, or her hot and heavy thoughts during the Lenten fish fry, you understand…she’s having a moment. She’s waking up to feelings for a fellow sister, wrestling with her every belief, and confessing a lot (perhaps too much) to the order’s new priest. As memories from her past resurface and her dreams get more sinful, Prudence begins to question the voice in her head and is forced to confront her (horny) (gay) demons.
Prudence takes us on a beautifully human and hilarious journey into the mind of a young nun trapped by her own choices. Through humor and her surprising candor, the show explores queerness and lesbian identity, modern-day conservative catholicism, as well as the mental re-wiring it takes to free oneself of shame. As Prudence hits her breaking point, she welcomes the audience in with open arms, hilariously rambling freak-outs, and repressed memories. Just as she starts to question her reality, so will you. Plus, what would a repressed gay nun play be without a tap dancing dream sequence?
“…tender, funny, a warm embrace of queerness and imperfect self acceptance”
– Stephen Kearly, Hi! Drama (NYC Premiere 2026)
“With good humour, Caroline Dunn’s powerful, haunting script throws a spotlight on the mental conflict conservative religious teachings impose on gay people.”
★★★★★
-Counter Culture UK (World Premiere, Ed Fringe 2026)
“Dunn infuses Prudence with remarkable warmth and humanity…What begins as broad comedy deepens into something more profound. The play grows darker, more contemplative, as Prudence confronts the voices in her head.”
★★★★
The Nerd Party (World Premiere, Ed Fringe 2026)
“Iconic…funny…a tender exploration of a blossoming queer identity…an inspiring work…”
★★★★
Reviews by J (World Premiere, Ed Fringe 2026)
PRUDENCE PLAY
Written and performed by Caroline Dunn
Directed by Frances RippyCo-produced by Boyz with Apple & babygood
Tickets: boyzwithapple.com
Tickets: boyzwithapple.com
Harmonie Hall
May 1st-2nd
May 1 @7pm, May 2nd @2pm, May 2nd @7pm
Keep up with Prudence & our artists on Instagram!
@prudenceplayig
@boyzwithapple
@babygoodmakes
@itscarolinedunn (Instagram & TikTok)