Calendar Girls

Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society were back on stage with their production of Tim Firth’s ‘Calendar Girls’, which was directed by Rebekah Denton in her directorial debut, with support from her assistant director, Jayne Harnick. The set was well constructed and allowed transitions to the various locations in the play. The set design looked very good, with the painted backdrops looking strong, especially the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. Scene changes were done well, behind a black tab that was brought in, allowing the change to happen behind. This worked well, and the scene changes were done quickly and effectively. The group of ladies who played the Calendar Girls were a cohesive group, who all worked together well and supported one another through the photoshoot. The photoshoot was well directed and moved at a good pace, allowing each of the Calendar Girls to have their moment in the spotlight. John’s death was an interesting directorial choice, with John embracing each of the Calendar Girls as his letter was read out, as if to say goodbye. The letter scene was a poignant moment, with the letters falling from the sky, and was nicely directed. The bows at the end were an inventive way, with pictures of the rest of the cast appearing in Calendar Girl poses. This was a fun way for the audience to show their appreciation. The various costumes were well sourced and suited each character. They reflected the different seasons that the play went through.

Technical aspects were integrated well into this production. Sound effects were sourced and cued well throughout. The lighting design was relatively simple, but nothing more was needed. The camera flashes when the journalists had arrived were very good. The use of projections was well thought out, with the calendar changing to show the passage of time. The photographs from the calendar shoot were projected onto the screen, which was a neat touch.

Hannah Smith gave an emotional performance as Annie. You could see the pain behind her eyes, as she put a brave face on for John and her friends. Hannah created a totally believable relationship with Bryan, and her friendship with Leigh was believable too. This was a well thought through performance from Hannah.

Leigh Nash gave a strong performance as Chris. She worked well with Hannah, creating a believable friendship that was tested during the play. Leigh played the comedic elements well, but was able to convey the emotional moments as well. This was a very good performance from Leigh.

Julie Ratcliffe played Celia. This was a good performance from Julie, and her line delivery was very good. She was very much the lady of the manor, especially bringing her stool with her to sit on when they are up on the John’s hill.

Mary Anne Gleeson played Ruth. This was a great piece of casting, and Mary Anne gave Ruth a nervous disposition, who always wanted to please. Her misunderstanding throughout were funny, and the confrontation in the second act was pitched well, drawing a good response from the audience.

Pauline Carr played Jessie in her stage debut! The courage to get on stage for the first time is commendable, but to bare all in your debut performance is something else! Pauline was every inch the ex-school teacher, using her voice well to convey this.

Amy Gladwin put in a good performance as Cora. Amy worked well with the other Calendar Girls, creating a believable character. Huge congratulations for battling through your injury to perform.

Playing John was Bryan Lynch. Bryan’s performance was played with humour, allowing his death to be more impactful. This was a refreshing take on the character, which was pleasing to see.

Julie Lord was perfectly cast as Marie. She was suitably uptight, always wanting to one up everyone, which was evident in the very funny badminton scene! The argument between Julie and Leigh was well played, with Julie spitting out her lines with venom.

Janette Pye was chameleon like in her performances as both Brenda Hulse and Lady Cravenshire. Two completely different characters that were performed very well.

Herb Moore offered good support as Rod, the doting husband of Chris. Herb was able to show his love for Chris, but also his disappointment when she didn’t choose to help the family business.

Simon Burgess put across Lawrence’s nervous energy well, especially in his initial meeting with the girls. There were some great reactions during the photoshoot, especially when it was revealed that Jessie was his teacher.

Arran Abbey and Chloe Hughes did well in their cameo roles as Liam and Elaine respectively. Arran played the director well, with a no nonsense approach to getting the advert filmed. Chloe was especially delightful as the ditzy beautician having an affair with Ruth’s husband.

Overall, this was a good production. The staging was inventive, the relationships were wholly believable, and the direction was pleasing from a first time director.

A big thank you to everyone at BAMADS for their kind invite and hospitality.

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