Calendar Girls

Knapley WI certainly proved that the Women’s Institute was definitely not all about jam and Jerusalem when they produced their now world famous calendar.  As we know, it sprang from the death of Annie's husband John due to leukaemia, and Yvonne Corbishley and Andy Napier portrayed this tragedy so well which still affects so many people. 

This production brought forth all the emotions that the original real life WI must have gone through from sadness to joy as the sale of the calendar made the refurbishment of the relatives’ waiting room at the hospital and much more possible.

It was obvious that the whole cast had worked extremely hard to bring this deeply moving and in many ways, hilarious play to fruition, under David Buck’s sensitive direction.  I think many of us were in tears at the end which proves how powerful the production was.

The photography was handled in the best possible taste and caused much fun.  What a good idea to make a calendar for next year (instead of having a raffle) featuring the Polegate ladies and I understand sales have been extremely good to the benefit of two cancer charities.

Back to the play: Lucy Parkin played Chris, Annie's best friend but their friendship was sorely tested after the great success of the calendar and amidst all the attention of the national and international press, but all was well at the end when their friendship was restored and that scene must also have had something to do with quite a few tears being wiped away!

Everyone on stage had an extremely important part to play and all were well cast - their excellent acting will remain with me for a long time

The set design was ideal and we knew exactly where we were in the action with the many scenes being displayed discreetly at the side of the stage.

I think sunflowers have always been lovely as they have a sunny outlook but this play proves that they mean much more and I will certainly be sowing the seeds that were thoughtfully given to the audience as we left.

All the work backstage was carried out in the usual expert fashion – many thanks to all involved whether on or off stage and those making the always appreciated refreshments.

This was a really good choice of play to bring to Polegate and I’m sure it will stay in a lot of memories for some time.

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