Calendar Girls - The Musical

To date the women of Rylestone and District W.I. have raised nearly £7M for cancer research directly from sales of their calendar. Interest, particularly from the USA, was global. As we know it triggered many other “nude” charity calendars. Following TV documentaries and a highly successful stage play, which during its first two years became the most performed amateur show in the uk with over 500 performances, and a major film, eventually this true story was transformed into the exhilarating musical we witnessed in Burnley. With music by Gary Barlow and lyrics by Tim Firth what could possibly go wrong? Well nothing actually, to answer my rhetorical question. Burnley Light Operatic Society is well known for the enthusiasm of its cast in all its productions. They never fail to engage their audiences. Anthony Williams, celebrating 25 continuous years with the society, was in the director’s and choreographer’s chairs for his 37th production for Burnley LOS. It is a glorious achievement. Many congratulations, (Sir) Anthony. 

Attack is a word carefully to be used. Yet I can think of no better one to describe the force of the assault on the audiences this company makes on those watching. Opening numbers of musicals are designed to ensure the sweets are put away, (well maybe), and the phones turned off as we are conscripted into the fantasy world in front of our eyes. By the way my research reveals that all the ladies depicted are still hale and hearty and living in North Yorkshire no doubt enjoying their preferred brand of tea.

“The Dales/ Knapely Village” introduced us to the full company. It was staged with humour coupled with amazing ingenuity. Throughout the clarity of lyrics and sincerity of the players was first class. Every number that followed was performed with the appropriate emotions required by Tim Firth’s incisive words. I could now embark on a long list of characters congratulating each and everyone of them. This is a large cast and I would I suspect run out of different words to use to record my admiration. Besides, this is an ensemble piece. To create an ensemble that communicates effectively with the audience there must be no weaknesses. How dare I even mention that word for a BLOS production. Happiness, sincerity in the play’s message, enjoyment in performance and integrity will suffice. The musicians were crisp and never intrusive, the sets were wonderful and the choreography slick. 

The audience rose to their feet as one at the conclusion. It was a thoroughly deserved reaction. Thank you, David and Susan for your warm hospitality towards myself and Gillian. 

PRM.

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