Calendar Girls

Frodsham Players were back on-stage last week with their version of the Tim Firth classic, Calendar Girls. Set within the fields of Wharfdale, Yorkshire, this true to life story tells the story of life-long friends (Chris and Annie) and their quest to raise funds for a new settee in the family ward at Skipton General. Directed by Cherry Nicholson, this version was generally good in the main. Despite the lack of Yorkshire accents, there was a lot of work done around characterisations and storytelling. The pathos was high which provoked emotional responses from the audience throughout. I personally felt that a lot more work was needed in securing lines, particularly cue lines. I also felt that the set was a little lack lustre, underused and some strange decisions had been made with regards to the plastic chairs which were left onstage throughout, regardless of the locations. I personally thought there were some curious casting choices too but this has no impact on ability.

On the whole however, I really felt connected to the characters and the storyline was clear. The diction and projection was very good too and the audience were thoroughly entertained throughout. The lady in front of me was laughing all the way through and I overheard a few different audience members comment on how good the production was – a sure fire way to show a show’s success!

The large backdrop of a Yorkshire dale was effective and really helped set the tone and location, however, I really didn’t like the two bespoke ‘fields’ with drawers and cupboards. Despite them being used to store props and costumes, they looked a little out of place, especially against the really nice backdrop and they were only used once to hide the modesty of the character of Chris towards the end of act one. The chairs were left onstage throughout and there were plenty of opportunities to move them as the piano was moved and clothing rails and wheelbarrows were brought on etc.

Lighting wise, there was a general wash throughout with the odd coloured gel thrown in. To be fair, the lighting design was fine and didn’t need to be too elaborate. I personally would’ve liked to have seen a few gobo’s perhaps to add texture to scenes. It also would’ve been nice to have seen the photos of the cast during the photoshoot on a screen or projected onto the backdrop – but this is just a thought.

The sound quality was generally good. I could hear all actors from the stage mics that were used (There were no head mics) and the choices of music for the scene changes were apt and well received.

Costumes were good too and helped establish certain characters. I liked the personal style of some, particularly the characters of Lady Cravenshire, Leanne and Cora.

The two leading female roles of Chris and Annie were played by Carole Shinkfield and Julia Burgess respectively. What really came across was the friendship between them both and the rapport that they had with each other. Whilst I would’ve preferred a little more security on the lines, particularly in the confrontation scenes, I cannot fault their commitment to telling this story. Carole Shinkfield was the stronger of the pair and commanding on stage. I liked how grounded she was.

Carol Crooks played the role of Jessie. I personally felt that Carol was far too young to play this role, but this has no reflection on her ability. I liked the stoicism that she had as Jessie and the reveal that she had with Lawrence was very funny and well played by both Carol and Jake.

Gilly Godwin played the role of Ruth. I liked the subtle nuances that Gilly brought to this rather complex character. Gilly brought things to this role that I haven’t seen before too.

Donna Burden as Celia was fab in this role and her comic timing and storytelling was fab too. I liked the physicality that Donna brought, which really helped with the character.

Cheryln Sparks played the role of Marie. I quite liked some of the choices that Cheryln made which made Marie a little more heightened than I have previously seen. I personally might’ve preferred Marie to be a little more uptight and a stickler for the rules.

One of the standouts for me was Ali Wheeler as Cora. Ali has excellent stage presence and played Cora with truth. I liked how free and easy Ali made it all look and she was brilliant in this role.

David Varley was brilliant as John Clarke. His accent was very strong, as was his stage presence. I loved the direction and acting of his death scene which was effective and emotional.

Steve Lincoln was helpful as the supportive Rod. He had some nice one-liners and helped support the over-arching story.

Jake Powell was suitably funny as Lawrence, the photographer. I loved Jakes subtlety, and his facial expressions were brilliant! A sure-fire way to showcase that no part is too small!

The rest of the female supporting cast were good and helped showcase acting as well as moving the story forward and helping with the overall plot. Martina Keith-Stewart (Brenda Hulse), Sue Southern (Elaine), Glenda Boyd-Williams (Lady Cravenshire) and Andrea Jones (Leanne). It was a delight to watch all of these ladies who brought fresh energy to each scene.

Despite my reservations with some of the issues with set, casting and lines, this production was entertaining and emotionally tonally too. As I mentioned above, the audience really connected with this piece and clapped at the end of scenes. A really lovely added touch were the sunflower seeds and the 2023 calendar that were given to the audience which is not only in-keeping with the show but a good way to keep Frodsham Players in the forefront of your minds throughout 2023.

I thank Frodsham Players for their kind invitation and wish them all the very best for their next production.

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