Calendar Girls The Musical

As many will know Calendar Girls The Musical is based on a true story and is an adaptation by Tim Firth of his stage play with music provided by Gary Barlow.  This musical version, directed by Tim Firth, originally premiered at the Grand Theatre, Leeds in 2015 followed by a transfer to The Lowry, Salford in January 2016.

This was my first experience of the musical version of Calendar Girls and also my first experience of watching the Whitwell Players in full musical effect at the Acorn Theatre rather than at the Whitwell Village Hall.  I'm delighted to say that from the first bars, to final curtain, the Whitwell team truly belonged on this larger stage and the Capacity audience who cheered them to the rafters throughout the performance.

The production was expertly directed by Luke Ogley-Neeve with strong Musical Direction by Pete Lack who ensured that the diction and balance between pit and stage was always sympathetic to the performers and driving the story forward.  Luke was also excellent as John Clarke whos life and too-early death from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma inspired his wife Annie, who was superbly portrayed by Amy Coxhill, to make her loss have an impact for the better on the whole community.   Amy brought out the vulnerability and self-consciences of Annie but also her understated, steely, resolve throughout the production.

Annie was ably supported by a great ensemble cast of Whitwell regulars including Nic Pelham, who was on fine form as the powerhouse that is Chris Harper, Lauren Greenhalgh who brough just the right light touch to single mother Cora, Jeanne Raspin who brought the sparkle and mischief to Jessie, Joanna Thorpe with yet another strong performance as Celia and behind the scenes as the show’s Producer, and Sarah Reynolds who brought a depth to her portrayal of Ruth that added significantly to the overall production. 

Although the musical and play are very much written with a focus on the 6 women called out above, this is very much an ensemble production with all roles large, or smaller on the page, having a critical part to play.  So many congratulations to Mike, Domonic, Maureen, Paul, Julie, Sue, Oliver, Fern, Ethan, Laura, Neil and Jeanette, you all made your characters believable, rounded and were essential to the overall success of this production.

The minimalist set, warm effective lighting, on-message costume and rounded sound design were in all cases very supportive of the feel of the production.  The staging and scene changes executed by cast and crew alike were excellent at keeping the narrative moving at the right pace and avoided the risk that these could have dragged if not well managed.

Congratulations one and all – a very enjoyable production and great to see that the show was so well supported by a very appreciative local audience.  You should all feel suitably proud and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2023.

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