Calendar Girls The Musical

It was February 2013 when I enjoyed the poignant, inspiring, interlaced with great humour, play of ‘The Calendar Girls’ performed at Tenterden Town Hall. This had just been released for amateurs when at least 390 licence applications had been granted around the country. That certainly was a wonderful experience and now here in June 2022 is the musical, which has been equally well executed at the Sinden Theatre. By now with the successful film, the story is known globally with millions of pounds being raised from that true story idea of a sunflower seed being sown in God’s own county of Yorkshire, showing the WI in a slightly different light and a new perspective on a current bun -  a nude calendar!

The music was uplifting, harmonious and fun, with a particularly splendid opening in the Dales ‘Yorkshire’ by the company. With MD Ian Hardy and vocal coach Christine, clear words and strong harmony was a pleasure to listen to. I loved the work on carols creating ‘Who Wants A Silent Night’ from single mum, vicar’s daughter Cora beautifully sung by Rebecca Woollard and Company with a moving ‘Very Slightly Almost’ from Annie – Jo Levett excelling as a loving wife and widow. An introduction to a talented younger generation was delightful with Jacob as Tommo (Cora’s boy) and Tom Foley to be Head boy Danny with Caitlin as challenging schoolgirl Jenny who comes good, with impressive solo and duets. A humorous number ‘So I’ve Had A Little Work Done’ was performed by Angela Woodcock as bored, posh ex air hostess character with her added curves! New web-site creator gave a fine rendition of ‘My Russian Friend and I’ and threw caution to the wind. A great double act with the trolley from the two Miss Wilson’s – Kaz Kember on Teas and Emma Clarke – Coffee. And not forgetting the unexpected ‘What Age Expects’ from retired schoolteacher Jessie played by Angela Wright. Wendy Thomas played her debut role as a wonderful full of ideas, not always good ones, long-time friend of Annie with great energy and I very much enjoyed her ‘Sunflower’ number.

The men must also be congratulated. Glyn Roberts – a genteel, lovable John ‘Clarkey’ characterisation. Jez Druce performed the struggling florist, husband of Chris with her wild ideas and father of Danny. Mark Jeffery was hospital porter and shy photographer Lawrence prepared to use his talent to produce the ‘months.’ Supporting were Colin Barnes as Colin with Peter Huxley as Denis also SM and scenery creation.

Back projection nowadays certainly gives a professional appearance and the scenes were particularly well depicted – the split screen showing  hospital waiting room and florist shop, on the hill, the school playing field, the village hall for WI meetings and the festive season. With John Sewell’s expertise and assistance from Ash Smith and Charlie Meehan sound, lighting and effects were spot on. The addition of a Maypole, fencing with gate, a Christmas tree, movable counter, the cake presentation table, fold up chairs, the keyboard, wheelbarrow, sunflowers, stand mic, added to the pictures. Props and there were a lot, were gathered by Marion Woolley plus cast. Slick well-choreographed removals throughout.

Costumes were carefully considered for each individual – summer dresses for the warmer days, smart for Marie - upright Chair of the WI, quite perfected by Susanne Mayor who played the part of Ruth in the play. Elegant ensemble and hat for Lady Cravenshire played by vocal coach Christine and again good sturdy outfit becoming for Brenda Hulse the speaker on the scintillating subject of broccoli until the projector bulb was blown, cameo role taken on by Director Heather. Men as imagined and ladies in finale elegant black with  sunflower buttonholes just right. Appropriate school uniforms and blazer, and  good finishing touch for Christmas time with coats, boots and red hats.  Well done Mims Reilly for attention to detail.

Overall direction once again by Chair Heather Barnes creating yet another extremely good slick production, with one minor pause in action, and although challenging was delighted to have the opportunity to work on such a  project. A great result.

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