Calendar Girls

By now readers will be familiar with the story of the extraordinary women of Knapeley WI and how a charity calendar, with a ‘difference’ developed into a huge worldwide success. The play, based on the true story is inspirational, poignant and yet at times hugely funny.  The fourteen characters excelled and were totally believable under the direction of Heather Leslie, who also created a perfect Elaine,  mincing beauty therapist from the gym, husband snatcher, as well as the set design! The church hall was prepared with utmost care and attention with props discreetly added and removed by the backstage crew. The naughty poses were brilliantly executed during the photo shoot set up by nervous Lawrence (James Bradford) and ably doubling up as the brash TV commercial producer Liam. Fun loving Cora - single mum, Vicar’s daughter (Liz Knight) both sang and played Heather Leslie’s version of Jerusalem. Yorkshire man Nick Hawley played a deeply moving dying John. Two best friends, John’s wife Annie (Jane Barton) and thrill seeker stuck in a rut florist Chris (Fiona Murch), complemented each other, with Gillian Davis giving a very strong performance as Marie, chair of the group.  The finale blooming sunflowers and the tai chi on John’s hill was beautiful and with the use of projection worked very well indeed. This play was adjudicated by Arthur Rochester for the KDF and again Tenterden must be a very strong contender for success.

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