Calendar Girls

This was the first time I have seen a performance of this now famous play, and what a very enjoyable evening it turned out to be.

Everyone, I presume, knows the story, unless they have been living on the moon!, but briefly it tells the story of members  of a Yorkshire WI, being photographed for a rather racy calendar, of themselves , in a state of undress. The whole purpose being to raise money for a memorial to one of the ladies deceased  husband , John, at the local hospital, where he had been treated for cancer.

The six ladies concerned were Cora, played by Jacqui  Quinn, Chris, played by Ann Simpson, John’s wife Annie, played by Gillian Rothery, Jessie, played by Elizabeth Simpson, Celia played  by Lisa Stockdale and  Ruth played by Lisa Morris. They were all very convincing in their roles, but special mention must go to Ann Simpson, who was the calendar instigator. The photo shoot, was very tasteful, and they really did get their ‘kit off’, with their’ bits and pieces’, suitably hidden by buns, teapots, knitting, and flowers. There were some wonderful one liners, during the shoot, ‘ Don’t touch the buns’ ,’ One lump or two?’, and  ‘ Were not up against the Red Arrows’. The Comedy came over really well, and the pace was just right, well done to all the game ladies.

Special mention must go to Audrey Chapman, as Marie, playing the WI Chairperson, local snob, general do gooder and village know all. She was very convincing, and totally against the calendar, until she realised how much money it had raised, her tune soon changed!!.

Minor roles were well played, and compared to the Calendar Girls, they really are minor.

The sound was good and the choice of music, played during the performance, was appropriate to the plot, but the lighting wasn’t always on cue when the girls were reading their fan mail,  in what was a very poignant and moving scene

A very good evening’s  entertainment , and the play deserved a much bigger audience to the poor attendance, the night we were there. Well  done  to both Whitehaven Societies, for performing this very well known piece.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.