Calendar Girls

Despite the fact that this has been the most performed play of 2012 / 2013 for amateur societies, this was the first time I had seen it and another freezing cold spring day to boot!  Despite the cold inside the theatre was warm both physically and in terms of the feeling given off by the cast of this now famous play.

For those who don’t know the plot (not very many, I hear you say!) the action takes place at the Knapely Village Women’s Institute, where following the death of one of the member’s husband to cancer, the girls decide to ‘reveal all’ in a manner of speaking in their annual calendar to raise money for cancer charities.  This is a great adaptation by Tim Firth and of course is based on true life events.

The set looked and worked very well indeed, despite the lack of room at the Arts Club theatre, so well done to cast and crew who must have been stood on top of each other at times backstage!  The lighting was good and the music used to punctuate the performance was well chosen

Annie’s husband John, whose untimely death starts the ball rolling, was played with great conscientiousness by Geoff Baron, a first class piece of acting.  Other smaller roles were taken by Robin Brown as Rod, Tom Haworth as Lawrence / Liam (the photographer – what a job he had) Joanna Thomas as Elaine and Angela McIntire as Lady Cravendale, all parts were well played and added colour to the overall performance.

The WI ladies were played by Sarah Nolan, Neely Jillings, Shirley Watson, Sara Ashton, Barbara Cilgram and Rachel Nolan.  All seven brought a piece of something to the overall performance which made the whole delightful and moving.  I was particularly impressed with Neely’s portrayal of Annie, which showed a great maturity and understanding of the role, that’s not to impugn any of the others though as all the ladies were excellently portrayed.  The photograph taking towards the end of Act 1 was particularly well done, very tasteful, yet tantalising never the less.  This piece was excellently cast and each of the characterisations were brilliantly interpreted by the actors, a pleasure to watch!

Therese Ball has done an excellent job with this production and the spirit of what these particular ladies had set out to achieve was really clearly articulated from start to finish.  The theatre was practically full the night I attended and I believe was very nearly sold out for the whole run, great news for the Arts Club.   This was a lovely piece of theatre and one that I am glad I didn’t miss – well done to all involved.

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