Calendar Girls

This production was believable, realistic and moving. It gave its audience laughter and tears and mirrored life without exaggeration but in a very human way. This was a well cast show with all characters revealing truths about themselves and their lives as well as revealing parts of themselves very decorously for the camera. Annie Clarke was played powerfully by Judith Hutchinson in being understated in her love for her husband, strong in her carrying on his legacy and moving when she sees her friend put her husband second. Lynne Hurst as Chris Harper clearly showed how driven she was to succeed and learns the costs. Danielle Archibald as Ruth brought dignity to the role of wronged wife and had the audience on her side when she tackled her husband’s lover and her own demons. Celia played effectively by Elspeth Whyte brought necessary humour to parts of the plays darkest moments. Claire Doonan as pianist Cora revealed the difficulties of being a single mother and Vicar’s daughter and conveyed beautifully the tensions between love and responsibility. Kate Halliday as Jessie provided gravitas and humour in equal measure, reminding us that teachers do have a human side. Annie Townsend captured the snobbery of the chairwoman Marie of WI and held her own in dramatic moments in confrontation. But the plaudits are not only to the women. Roger Munday created a totally believable character in John Clarke. The deterioration of his health was handled well, done with dignity and left its mark on the play after his death. The photographer played by Ewan Hepburn was superb in his ability to be at the photo shoot and not be intrusive, while Jeff Robinson, Chris’ husband, evoked sympathy with his love for his wife. Minor principals held their own in Lady Cravenshire, Elaine, Brenda and Liam, (Beryl Turner, Heather Haig , Anna Marshall and Alan Stirling).The scenery of the village hall which circled round to reveal an outdoor hill, the symbolism of the seeds and the music motif of ‘And Did Those Feet’ contributed to the highs and lows of emotion. This was a tremendously successful production.

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