Calendar Girls

This production celebrated Masque’s 80th Anniversary and proved to be a very popular choice by their almost sell-out audiences.  Indeed the predominately female audience were very appreciative and well represented, I suspect, by members of the Suffolk WI, who I’m sure would agree that the WI these days is not all about jam and Jerusalem!

Although this was not the musical version of Calendar Girls there was still plenty of music, delightfully sung by the ladies and led by the excellent voice of Natasha Stevenson. The empowerment of women was the key factor in the writing of this play, with each of the central characters being able to draw strength from the making of ‘the calendar’. The experience of that helped them to confront with confidence and resolve personal challenges and issues in each of their lives as demonstrated by the numerous sub plots. The differing ages of these ‘calendar girls’ was successfully calculated to bring out  the range of personalities of each of the  characters  which they portrayed beautifully. Obviously, with semi nudity involved careful direction and vital props were required to avoid too many blushes. The six courageous ladies were played by Mel Robinson King, Issy Always, Ellie Hardwick, Laura Oxford, Sue Hayes and Natasha Stevenson. Mandy Williams, as Marie, although not actually one of the ‘calendar girls’ was also very integral to the plot contrasting the attitudes of the women with her own. They were ably assisted by the talented supporting actors to complete the picture.

The subject matter has touched all our lives at one time or another and this cast certainly brought out the poignancy and emotion in this sensitive narrative under the direction of Ian Quickfall. The set and lighting all worked well to bring this play together along with the all so important props and costumes.

As  was the whole ethos of this play the original  real ‘Calendar Girls’  were raising money initially to purchase a settee for the local hospital but following the enormous media attention they were able to make an incredible donation for  the Leukemia Research  Fund.  Masque’s  production was supporting the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s Blossom Appeal and over the course of the production they raised  a total of  £738.25.  A splendid amount to boost their funds.  Well done to Ian  and all  involved for bringing this story to life and giving us and their audience a very enjoyable evening.

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