Calendar Girls

From entering the building the audience were transported to the “Knapeley WI” with the entrance and theatre decorated to suit. The stage set was cleverly constructed to mirror the décor of the hall so that it felt like we were sitting where the WI actually met.

This uplifting story of laughter and heartbreak needs a strong cast and this production certainly had that. All of the supporting actors were excellent and their contributions crucial, in particular Susan Haswell as the WI chief Marie, her scenes were very well executed.

The ladies playing the “Calendar Girls” threw themselves into the production with enthusiasm and bravery; it can’t be easy to “bare all” in front of your family and friends as well as many others in the capacity houses. The “nude not naked” photo scene was fast paced and full of laughs aided by an excellent performance by Daniel Paxton as the photographer Laurence.

Alison Holmes as the independent single mum Cora portrayed the character with confidence as did Karen Scott as the golf playing, alcohol drinking Celia, she embraced the role (and the buns) giving her character warmth. Jo Smart as Jessie delivered every line with perfection and got every ounce of comedy from her script and Elizabeth Pucell as Ruth, the feeble downtrodden wife who turns feisty, made her character both believable and endearing.

Kay Anderson’s performance as Annie was exemplary.  The tenderness between her and Clark Adamson as John, Annie’s husband who inspired the calendar, was so real it was impossible not to be touched by it. There was also a chemistry which was tangible and a delight to watch between Kay and Margaret Smith who played the formidable Chris. Margaret gave Chris the right amounts of strength and also vulnerability when required.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the production and I am sure your chosen charities will be delighted by the extra fundraising effort you put in including your “alternative” calendar. Well done!

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