Calendar Girls, The Musical

Salt & Pepper Productions were back on stage with a smash it of a musical this week at the Grange Theatre, Harford. This iconic adoption from the hit film, had everything we needed, and everything else we didn’t know that we needed until now! This production had so much heart and soul it was hard not to ovate at the end – which people did for every performance. Directed by Joanna Milborne-Chatt, this sensitive story was made ever more real and raw with Joanna’s clear vision. Set amongst the Yorkshire fell, this clever static set was used brilliantly throughout. The clever set design allowed for various entrances and exits, providing many levels and gave us the impression of the fell throughout. I would go as far to say that the set was another character in its own right! I really enjoyed the way the doors were opened to reveal different locations which made the scene changes seamless and kept the pace going throughout. Joanna’s vision was abundantly clear. Not once did we have a blackout to aide a scene change, in fact, there were times when a scene change had happened, and we didn’t even notice due to the clever way in which the action was directed, and the lighting plot was designed – flawless!

When I say that this production had heart and soul – I cannot underestimate how much depth of character and on-stage comradery there was. I could tell that this was an iconic moment in this cast’s lives. The on-stage friendships they had, were not fake; evidenced by the holding of hands when the cast (and audience’s) tears rolled at the end. This is a production for the memory books for both cast and audience and one that will certainly be hard to top! The production values were sympathetic to the storyline and the two charities that all proceeds will go to. Helpers handed out free sunflower seeds in yellow hessian sacks at the end, even the raffle prizes were hampers made up of entirely Yorkshire products – I mean, come on!

The musical director for this production was Helen Mayne. I really enjoyed the band and the direction throughout and whilst it would’ve been lovely to see the musician’s playing, I understand why they were ‘hidden away’ as it may have distracted from the story. I particularly loved how sympathetically the MD was to the singer, often playing a rall or allowing the actor to emote before continuing to sing. Great work!

The lighting design was great and I have to say that the lighting ques were excellently done. Having the ques done at the correct time, ensured that the audience were looking in the correct place, allowing scene changes to happen in the darker side of the stage. Well done to Paul Edwards for your hard work!

Sadly, there were some technical issues from some of the mics. Two of the cast mics were not working properly and had to be switched off at times. This wasn’t so much of a problem for me as I was near the front, but some of the audience further back certainly would’ve struggled. Some of the cast could’ve projected a little more to cover this, especially at the ending of sentences when they devoiced a little.

A lovely well done to the costume and props team for your obvious hard work. I particularly loved the cakes – which I’m sure a lot of time and effort went into – your hard work helped add layers to scenes and characters.

For those that know the story of Calendar Girls, the casting of the two best friends is crucial to ensure that friendship comes across on stage. The casting of Suzie Lowe and Debbie Allen as Annie and Chris is nothing short of genius! I think we all need a friendship like these two! Debbie Allen is a formidable actress who commands every stage she stands on. Her stage presence and line delivery continue to leave me mesmerised and it’s not clear to me how she isn’t a professional working actress. Her version of Chris was outstanding. Her comic timing was equally brilliant as was her rapport with Suzie’s ‘Annie’. And if life doesn’t’ give you one outstanding actress, along pops Suzie Lowe. Frankly, this was a masterclass. There aren’t enough superlatives to say how much of a tour de force performance this was. Her acting through song was particularly breath-taking!

The supportive cast were hilarious in comic timing and line delivery also. I loved the dry wit and the brilliant one-liners that Jacqui Burgess brought as Jessie.  I wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of Jessie! Liz Bradley’s version of Cora was brilliantly reminiscent as one of the cast of the Real Housewives of Yorkshire! Gill Ward was great as the snooty Marie who is often played as a little cold and detached from the others, not in this production. It was nice to see Marie as part of the ‘team’. Colette Williams used her voice and body in an excellent way to portray the character of the stuffy Ruth which made me fall in love with her from the opening scene. Nita Lawton also gave a great performance as the surgically enhanced Celia. I couldn’t forget to mention the comedy Siamese ‘Tea & Coffee’ (Miss Wilsons’) brilliantly played by Diane Quinlivan Hurst and Julie Gaskell. A fine example that no part is indeed too small!

Behind every great woman is a supportive man. The male cast in this production were certainly that. Each actor brought something fresh and new to the table which enhanced the overall production and made the women stand out and the storyline become the driving force. A huge well done to Stuart Dutton (John), Steve Hart (Lawrence), Robert Earl (Rod), Ben Ireson (Denis) & Martyn Bernardo (Colin). Despite me not going into detail in this review, I sincerely enjoyed all of your performances and your contribution did not go unnoticed. For me, it was the best performance some of you have given on stage to date!

The three ‘youths’ in this production again, positively contributed to the humour (which then aided the serious parts). Great comic timing and one liners from Marcus Dolan (Chris) and Dave Williams (Tommo). I loved the version of Jenny that Paige Grindrod brought. Despite being bold and bolshy, you made me feel for her from the beginning. Great vocal performance too!

As I’ve already mentioned, the stars of this show were both the main casting of the women and the storyline itself. Having such great naturalistic acting and having real actors who can sing, rather than singers who try to act, really allowed the storyline to be some prominent. A huge well done to the entire cast and crew of Salt and Pepper Productions for this wonderful production – one that will stay with me for a long time.

Having all proceeds going to your two charities, HEADWAY and BLOOD CANCER UK is a great touch.

I thank Salt & Pepper Productions for their wonderful hospitality and wish them all the very best for their future productions.

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