Calendar Girls

Tim Firth’s remarkable play about the true tale of the Yorkshire WI ladies who produce a revealing calendar for charity has been hugely popular in the amateur world since its release. It has elements of humour and pathos but key to any Calendar Girls production is an effective balance. Director Helen Thorpe rose to this challenge, adding some of her own twists. 

The set was a believable typical multi functioning village hall which was used throughout apart from the picnic and the speech in London which was in front of cloths. Lighting helped delineate between different scenes and time periods as the months/years progressed. I have nothing but admiration for those who had to gather the vast number of props that were needed and there were also a lot of costume changes for everyone but as they were relatively more modern day, must have been easier. The photo shoot was superbly handled promoting the fun of the moment and protecting modesty or as I have heard it called ‘fabulous concealment’.      

The bond between the ladies was very believable. Helen Cheales and Diana Gillinder led the way as Annie and Chris with their friendship being tested by their rise to fame. They are backed up by their fellow rebels. It would be inappropriate to single out other individuals, just as no real Calendar Girl was more important than another, but even the audience cheered when Ruth (Fiona Young) came out of her shell. The gentlemen of the cast all gave solid performances as did all the cameo parts. The comic timing and emotional empathy provided the light and shade of a play that alternated between tears of laughter and those of sadness. The quality of the ensemble, including direction and production, made the performance work.

Calendar Girls is a celebration of friendship, love and what women can achieve together, with a story of human tragedy, triumph, class and confidence. It was a perfect reminder that the play was based on a true story and that thousands of families lose loved ones every year to all types of cancer.  

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