Calendar Girls

Everyone loves a new calendar to start the year off, and members of the WI are no different to anyone else, except when the calendar is of them…..naked!

From the moment I entered the theatre, I knew this was going to be something I would remember, front of house volunteers in their ‘Calendar Girls’ T-shirts filling the bars with a buzz of excitement, and I was not to be disappointed. From the first note from the musicians to the very last, the audience were truly wrapped up in this performance.

The set was so simple but extremely effective, remaining there throughout to represent the rolling hills of the Yorkshire countryside, scene changes were depicted by a change of props, manoeuvred on and off by the appropriately dressed stage crew and members of the cast themselves, on the dramatic ‘revolving stage’ which made for seamless changes and focus on different characters. This was enhanced by an unobtrusive lighting plot which created appropriate atmosphere.

The cast were so right for this production, the variety of personalities and, may I say, ages, ‘no, generations’, were wonderfully represented by the six leading ladies, staying in character throughout, so much so that there were times I thought I was actually in Yorkshire with them. Their experience shone through and there appeared to be a genuine bond between them, especially displaying great courage to bare all to each other, well done ladies!

Mention must also be made of the gentlemen of the cast, very much supporting roles in this show, but performed expertly as the husbands of the ladies. Credit must also go to the three ‘youngsters’ in the show, such a change in character as the show progressed and was handled sensitively by all three of them. I apologise for not mentioning anyone by name in this production, but I feel it was very much a team effort and to single out individuals would not be appropriate, hopefully you can all associate with my comments.

The principal cast were very well supported by an enthusiastic and accomplished ensemble, delivering well drilled choreographed routines and confident movement around the stage.

Congratulations must go to the production team of Adam Lacey (Director), David Easto (Musical Director) and Charlotte Jervis (Choreographer) for a first-class job with this production, extracting the obvious talent from each of the performers. I couldn’t fault it!

Congratulations to all involved in this production.

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.