Calendar Girls

Am I now considered a ‘Calendar Girls’ groupie, this being my fourth in as many months, however, each new production is still greeted with fervent anticipation. Will John’s speech bring a lump to the throat, the letter reading send us misty eyed, Chris’s conference speech induce a hearty round of applause? We can but hope! A non-existent exploding projector started the action with a bang, provoking extreme reaction from the cast and ensuring any would be dozing members of the audience remained fully awake, good move! As each character was introduced into the action, it was apparent this cast’s approach was going to be a tour de force! Accents were believable and moves purposeful, despite one or two displaying a hint of dialogue hesitancy, first night nerves being a possibility! Pace was cracking, remaining constant; however, the odd line was lost in the effort of maintaining it. John’s speech and eventual demise was emotionally charged by beautiful accompanying music, true to say, not quite reaching the ideal depths of convincing anguish but growth as the week progressed must have inevitably brought this closer. Each member of cast managed to encapsulate their character effortlessly, Annie displaying an excellent demeanour while Chris’s speech was inspiring, their consequential altercation convincing and stirring. Cora and Ruth displayed their talent for comedy, making every line count with excellent timing. Ruth’s drunken disrobing was hilarious! Incorporating the setting up of photography props etc. into the action worked well, it was just a shame the reflectors had seen better days, in previous productions no doubt! Letter reading, did this manage to hit the mark? Beautifully set and emotionally charged, the moment was let down by the articles in question arriving in two hefty clumps, rather than the expected gentle flutter, however, the potential for these beautiful moments was clear to see and no doubt  fully reached before the end of the run. This production was one to be proud of, its finale, fittingly set to the bouncy strains of ‘Here Comes the Girls’, ensured credit was duly given where it rightly belonged.

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