Calendar Girls - The Musical

Calendar Girls – a musical performed by St Pauls Players on Thursday, 8th September, 2022 at Adlington Community Centre, Railway Road, Adlington.

With music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and a book by Tim Firth, Calendar Girls is based on a true story which was made into a film in 2003.  When Annie’s husband dies of leukaemia, she and her long standing best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. With varying levels of encouragement, they persuade four friends and fellow members of the Women’s Institute (W.I.) to pose nude with them for an "alternative calendar” much to the ‘horror’ of the WI Chair, Marie! The success of the calendar goes beyond their wildest dreams and they soon raise the money needed and much more. Their efforts also catch the attention of the national and international press, who soon descend on the small village of Knapely in the Yorkshire Dales. Although the calendar is a huge success, Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test with their new-found fame and Chris is forced to question her real motivation behind doing the calendar.

This was the evening when we learned about the ‘passing’ of our Queen… St Pauls Players and the people there that night paid their respects to this wonderful lady by first rising to listen to ‘National Anthem’ and then standing for two minutes in complete silence… RIP Queen Elizabeth II

Adlington Community Centre was packed to the rafters, many ladies adorned with knitted ‘Sunflower Emblems’ which, I was to find out later, belonged to members of two local Women’s Institutes, Heath Charnock and Euxton… it was lovely to see them and from their comments during the ‘cheese and wine interval’, they were thoroughly enjoying what they were seeing!

Production Team… this wonderful production was in the safe and experienced hands of Liz and Lily Blundell (Producers/ Directors) both of whom should be congratulated on their efforts and total commitment. I had the opportunity to speak with both during the interval and it was obvious from the smiles on their faces and their comments, that they had thoroughly enjoyed bringing this production to stage!  The experienced Paul Stanley (Musical Direction) should also be congratulated on his efforts, as should those in his band, who provided us with, not only a wonderful sound, but wonderful accompaniment for all the singers. Be ever so proud folks… great job, brilliant production!

The Cast… it was clear and obvious from the start that everyone on stage was giving their all whilst having the time of their lives!  There were so many individually great characters being created, but what stood out and made this ‘special’ wasn’t an individual but ‘the whole’… this was a great ensemble performance!  Having said that, I really do need to give some individual ‘shout-outs’!  To make this production the success that it was required St Pauls to have ‘six strong female leads’… we were not to be disappointed… Diane Simmons took on the role of ‘Chris’ the extrovert Florist. Clare Unsworth took on the role of ‘Annie’ devoted wife of John who dies.  Jane McQueen played ‘Cora’, a single parent, pianist and daughter of a clergyman. Judith Armstrong played ‘Jessie’ a cheeky, strong lady, a retired teacher. Jacqui Brian played ‘Celia’ an ex-Air Hostess, bored trophy wife, who also plays a bit of golf and Sharon Morris who took on the role of ‘Ruth’ the kind, scone baker with a ‘Russian friend’!  What a ‘six’ they were!  They all oozed stage presence, they were able to create six wonderfully interesting characters… individually great, together brilliant!  On top of all that we had so many great vocals, so many great songs, some sung with amazing harmonies… I particularly enjoyed Clare Unsworth’s rendition of ‘Kilimanjaro’, wonderful song, wonderful lyrics sung with so much emotion... one or two tears and an awful lot of goose bumps plus Diane Simmons’s version of ‘Sunflowers’ was up there with as good as it gets… every congrats ladies amazing work!  The ‘six’ were supported ever so well by a well-rehearsed and enthusiastic ensemble that included Sarah Lee who took on the role of ‘Marie’ the ‘bossy’ ambitious ‘Chair’ of the Knapely Women’s Institute; Graham Cohen who played ‘John’ devoted husband of ‘Annie’s who dies of leukaemia (Graham only took on this role with just over a week to opening night… well done Graham, every credit, great job sir). Andrew Turton played ‘Rod’ husband of ‘Chris’ and father to ‘Danny’.  Matthew Gavin took on the role of ‘Lawrence’, who looked after John whilst in hospital and the photographer who took the calendar photos. Barry Heeks played ‘Colin’ and Dax Owen played ‘Denis’.  Carole Penny took on two roles ‘Brenda Hulse’ and ‘Lady Cravenshire’.  Harry Cohen played ‘Danny’ Head Boy and son to ‘Chris’ and ‘Rod’.  Eadie Gosling played ‘Jenny’ the rebellious schoolgirl daughter of ‘Marie’.  Ethan Clist played ‘Tommo’ son of ‘Cora’ and last but not least Natalie Sweet and Joanna Sweet played ‘Miss Wilson’ (Tea) and ‘Miss Wilson’ (Coffee) respectively… loved the ‘grey jumpers’ ladies; and I think you caused the biggest surprise of the evening when you appeared at the ‘serving hatch’… not expected, but appreciated by everyone!

The Band… under the guidance of the ever so talented Paul Stanley (Musical Direction) … had Tom Bowes (Keys1), George Baldwin (Keys2/Guitar), Michael Lyons (Trumpet/Cornet), David Parkinson (Trombone), Robert Rainford (Bass) and Geoff Brain (Drums)… well done guys … great job, be ever so proud!

Staging… a simple yet effective set was used throughout. As always here at Adlington, built in house, using every available inch of stage… the inventive use of storage behind the ‘flattage’ was superb and worked ever so well … congrats to Steve Blundell, Sam Heyes and Jill Heeks (Stage Managers), to Howard Bates (Scenic Artists) and to the ‘pushers and pullers’... Richard Cornes, Vincent Taylor, Alan Leyland and Lisa Cohen.  Sound was provided by Richard Cornes and the Lighting Design and Operation by Stuart Naylor with the Technical Engineering by Joanne and Natalie Sweet. Without doubt the most anticipated and problematic scenes from this musical are the scenes where the ‘nudity and photography’ takes place and how they are achieved and dealt with!  Because most people are familiar with this plot, the direction and implementation of these scenes is vital.  Honestly, I thought the scenes were excellent, well directed and well executed with precise with imaginative placing of the products throughout. Congratulations to all responsible and involved!  Whilst talking of ‘imaginative placing’ - oh my goodness, where did you store all those ‘PROPS’… which were amazing by the way and enhanced the show so much… every credit to Becca and Sue Heyes how on earth did you managed to keep an ‘eagle eye’ on all of them!  Costumes where fabulous and added to the overall production.

I really would like to make ‘special mention’ of Amanda Cross who ‘signed’ (British Sign Language) for the entire production! It was amazing to watch how she interpreted, not only the dialogue, but the lyrics to every song!  She must have known the entire script plus every lyric for every song, I’m sure, I could see her singing along with them all… outstanding and in awe, so much respect!  Be ever so proud of what you do Amanda!

The ‘standing ovation’ which greeted the finale was well justified.  I always try and listen to the audience as they leave… all I could hear were positive, amazing comments, coming from people with huge smiles on their faces be proud St Pauls… wonderful production!

Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I we thoroughly enjoyed the production and thanks to Liz and Lily Blundell for spending time with us, your hospitality was really appreciated!  Can’t wait for your panto…  

Stay safe and keep well…
‘STRONGER TOGETHER’

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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