Calendar Girls

It felt nice knowing I was returning to my hometown to watch Wakefield Little Theatre’s production of the play “Calendar Girls”. The play opened to the six main characters five trying their best at T’ai Chi and the other Cora playing and singing “Jerusalem at the piano. Having lots of supporters in the audience there was a wonderful round of applause which only increased as the performance went on.

The director, Shelia Priest did an excellent job of capturing the heartwarming emotional depth of the play which was throughout both funny and at times deeply moving effectively showcasing the characters' journey through grief and their heartwarming triumph.

There were strong cast performances from all the main cast highlighting the believable friendships and relationships, successfully capturing the spirit of the original Rylstone Women's Institute. Annie was played by Katy Ryan, Chris played by Debby Pickering, Jessie played by Mon Haley, Ruth played by Helen Grace, Celia played by Jill Critchley and Cora played by Deborah Berry.

The main principals were well supported by Julie Kidd playing Marie, Rebecca Newham playing Brenda and Elaine, Richard Deakin playing John, Dan Pape playing Rod, Louise Miller playing Lady Cravenshire and Martijn Dan playing Liam.

The staging of the calendar photoshoot, a pivotal and potentially sensitive scene, was complimented for its tactful and creative use of props like baked goods, knitting, and flowers to maintain modesty. Following each shot being supported by the audience with a huge round of applause and cheers.

Excellent and effective staging and technical elements including lighting, Tom Newham, sound Matt Roberts, costumes Louise Miller and Julie Kidd, and of course the huge number of props including the “bigger buns” by Tracey Peacock. The set which had been hired but well worth it and used in an easy and effective way evoking the Yorkshire backdrop, while lighting was used to supply the dramatic effect.

The show, its cast and the audience really brought a strong sense of community and support that infused the production, echoing the story's theme.

Well done to all involved in what was clearly a team effort.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.