Calendar Girls – the Musical

I think Calendar Girls is thought of as mature women posing in the nude. Far from it – there are so many elements to be portrayed – fun, laughter, friendship, sadness, emotional, fear, loss and solidarity from the ladies. I wondered how the nudity would be managed.

But I get ahead of myself.

The hall was packed and I believe was throughout the week; great to see a queue outside a theatre. The audience were fully involved and reacted to all of the elements on stage, lots of ethos, laughter and, inevitably, tears.

The staging was simple and very effective with hills and paths. The changing oof seasons with the flower stall was very clever. The cast and backstage  crew were very efficient, changing to chairs in the W.I. meeting in the village hall and the lectern at the Conference Hall. A simple table and chair plus a bottle were enough to portray Ruth’s (Louisa Jones) battle with herself and her relationship. She gave an excellent performance of ‘my Russian friend and I’. Along with the whole company which was well cast.

Then we come to Chris (Louise Lyne). Louise stepped into the role on the Sunday before the show started. Wow! She was superb in her part. The audience would not have been aware that this had happened. The whole team did so well, a lovely relationship with the rest of the cast. They did not look fazed about the change. Excellent. Chris was the person who had the job of keeping everyone willing to take part in the actual calendar. During the story she played comedy effectively and sang well. She was also the character who first ‘bared’ all with the help of scenery and flower pots. So sorry Russ Latham, who was originally cast as Chris, was not well enough to be in the show, she must have been quite disappointed.

Each of the ladies had their own personalities and had a chance to show their superb singing. Lovely harmonies.

Annie (Tessa Orton-Jones) played very well, what a difficult job to portray losing your husband and singing about how you feel. A number of tears in the audience.

Cora (Rachel Dobson) had a beautiful voice and appeared to be playing the piano – of course her ‘pose’ involved the piano stool, again very modestly “orchestrated”.

Jessie (Sue O’Neill) played her part well and supported the group, including another modest pose for the calendar.

Celia (Amie Harrison-Bickley) was the sexy member of the group. She had no problem posing throughout and singing of ’having a little work done’.

Not to be missed out were ‘Tea’ (Jillian Murray) and ‘Coffee’ (Selana Kong). They were what you would call a small quiet double act until the calendar pose scene when they surprised us all when they came on wearing only their aprons to offer drinks. Marching off stage together in what appeared a very confident manner. Well done ladies.

There were several cameo parts and a small ensemble which contributed well to the story.

The men, of course, also played well. I especially liked the opening of Act 2 when they were on their way from the pub – staring out into the audience discussing how they felt about “the girls”.

John (Simon Orton-Jones) started the show as a lively member of the village, quite a poet and loved his countryside. Throughout the show he slowly showed his physical decline but stayed positive. He loved sunflowers and hence the link throughout the story. Well done, not an easy part to play. 

Rod (Robin Crowley) was wed to his wife and her crazy ideas. He also had to deal with Danny (Aled Morris) who was embarrassed about his mum, along with dealing with a drunk Danny. Danny played a drunk very well, not always easy to make it realistic. He was excellent.

Jenny (Celyn Orton-Jones) was a real contrast as a youngster helping out and completely relating to their idea of a calendar. 

As ever with your company the scenery and props, especially the W.I. cakes and flowers, were up to your high standard which you set yourselves.

Musical Director Elen Mair Roberts and her orchestra again set a high standard. Maya Jones’ cornet playing was stunning, although a little loud at times (the nature of the instrument).

Ian and myself are always delighted to attend and are made very welcome.

A very memorable performance.

Jackie Titley

 

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