Calendar Girls

Phoenix Theatre Company takes on the true story of the WI doing a nude calendar for charity, made into a film, play and musical. Calendar Girls - the story of friendship between women, exploring many issues - one being of the woman of a certain age being proud of her body.

The intimate theatre has a back cloth of the rolling hills of Yorkshire. A piano is set Up-Stage Right and on the backwall is the usual notice board with information of what goes on in the hall.  An alcove with the sign Knapley Village Hall and a picture of The Queen and Prince Phillip on the wall. Wooden chairs Stage Right. Various set was then brought on by the cast for the photo shoot and appropriate props. For the end scene a backcloth was rolled over the Yorkshire Hills which was a field of sunflowers - very powerful. Set Build Phil Ward and Steve Butler. Props were by Ros Bell and Karen Farrar. Wardrobe was all in keeping with the characters. Wardrobe by Jacqui Brian and Cast. The Sound and Lighting all added to the piece and I liked the voice over when the letters were read out, a poignant moment. Lighting by Wayne Gibson and Neo Leach. Sound by Jim Walton.

Jacqui Brain directs and the characters interacted with each other effortlessly. The stage was used well and the delicate covering of the ladies done well. Ruth Haslam plays the beautician Elaine suitable and edgy with her comments then scuttling off when rumbled by Ruth. Dorothy gave us two contrasting characters Brenda and Lady Cravenshire. Brenda known for her talks on the tea towels wanted to bore the WI even more with the talk of broccoli.  

The men in the play were Rod Chris’s long-suffering husband played by Simon Hall and John the sunflower lover played by Andrew Gradwell whom the story centres around. Harry Cohen takes on two roles of Liam and Lawerence. Harry played Lawrence suitably uncomfortable and with comedy “I think I left my bike on a bend” as a parting shot was hilarious added to his face when he realises, he has seen his ex-teacher nude.

Chairwoman of the Knapley Women’s Institute was Marie played by Gail Costello. Gail gave us a woman who takes no prisoners, being outcast from Cheshire she was going to make everyone pay. Be afraid. Most of the women are running from something or trying to prove something. Celia is no exception played by Lisa Barlow. Lisa gave us Celia who is not afraid to flaunt her attributes and knows how to do it with style. Di Davies takes on the role of the troubled Ruth. Di gave us meek and mild Ruth who appears to get everything wrong, the one who doesn’t want to do the calendar but ends up doing it drunk for courage. With the help of friendship, she finds her feet at the end. Well played.

Lindsay Farnworth takes on the role of Cora. Lindsay gave us larger than life the girl who is paying for her past but determined to reclaim her life. Lindsay gave us energy and the woman who cannot keep her thoughts to herself. Karen Butler-Thompson was retired Headteacher Jessie (‘No front bottoms’). Karen gave us the no-nonsense character and say it like it is, delivering cutting and funny one-liners, great work.

Julie Hall took on the role of Chris. Julie gave us energy showing us the woman whose ideas run away with her and losing sight of why she is actually doing the calendar for. There was a real sense of friendship amongst the women which built as the play went along and gave a real credence to the ending. Most of the women looking to find something in life - we see Annie played by Sharon Shaw dealing with the now: discreetly navigating her own grief, while trying to keep up with Chris. The different energies worked on stage. This story is empowering and uplifting not only as a true story but a wonderful vehicle for a woman of a certain age.

Thank you, Phoenix Theatre Company, for the invite and hospitality from my guest Ursula and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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