Calendar Girls - The Musical

Following the success of the 2003 film and the 2009 play, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth teamed up to turn the beloved tale of the calendar girls into a musical. Yorkshire pride is at the heart of this show and the opening song ‘Yorkshire’ is a fitting tribute to the county. 

The scenery was cleverly constructed to represent the rolling Yorkshire countryside, easily transformed into the interior of the WI meeting room. Scene changes were a little slow with, what seemed, long blackouts, especially when we were left wondering if it really was the end of Act 1. Props and lighting could not be faulted. The band, led by MD Siobhan Walls did a fantastic job. I was a little disappointed that the quality of the sound was not better as some of the humour in the dialogue and songs was lost but all the soloists and ensemble did an incredible job. Choreography by Becky Beaumont was kept simple but effective.

There were many outstanding performances in this production but Chris (Caroline Ferguson) and Annie (Estelle Burfoot-Reed) worked well together and Caroline’s rendition of ‘Sunflower’ was heart wrenching as was Estelle’s ‘Kilimanjaro’. Cora (Rosie Bass), whose song ‘Who Wants A Silent Night’ was one of the most humorous in the show. Another highlight was Celia (Astra Beadle) and her song ‘I’ve Had A Little Work Done’. Ruth (Francesca Coote) had good comedic timing. Jessie, (seasoned performer Linda Russell) played the role of the retired schoolteacher and gave an excellent rendition of ‘What Age Expects’. Each of the women get a chance to shine as did Nicole Bellhouse as Marie. The men are not to be outdone either and Richard Howard as John really pulled at the heartstrings. The trio of ‘teenagers’, exploring first love and are mortally embarrassed by their parents, all gave good support to the rest of the cast.

My admiration for any women brave enough to (almost) bare all on stage in front of an audience holds no bounds. In the show this scene comes at the end and was all very tastefully and modestly done. The surprise comes when the ‘Tea/Coffee’ ladies (Beth Harding and Sadie Brown) appear in the serving hatch with their tea and coffee pots strategically placed.

Director Phillip Reed can be really proud of this company and how they were able to cope with a rollercoaster ride of emotions through love, loss, parents, children, families and of course how we cope with whatever life deals us. A thoroughly enjoyable production that deserved the standing ovation.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.