Calendar Girls - The Musical

As I’m sure most of you know Calendar Girls the Musical, like the play that preceded it, is based on the 2003 film which itself is based on a true story.  The musical, again like the play, has words by Tim Firth with Gary Barlow contributing both lyrics and the musical score.

At its heart Calendar Girls is a story of loss to Cancer and the victory that comes when a close knit community of women in a small Yorkshire village, who meet weekly at the WI, come together to raise money for a Hospital sofa with a Jam and Jerusalem themed Naked calendar that takes the nation by storm resulting in money for both a Sofa and a whole new Hospital Wing!

Calendar Girls is all about a community and so the key element that is required is a strong ensemble cast who work for each other, have their moments in the spotlight, but never try to outshine one another and this was very much in evidence in the Erewash production tonight. 

Kathi Ludlow gave the performance of her life as Annie who in both acting and vocal delivery always told a completely believable story of a woman fighting through the gradual decline in her husband’s health. Through quiet understated delivery, punctuated with humour and pathos, Kathi excelled in her portrayal of someone always trying to put on the bravest face as the prognosis of her husband became terminal, and then the fight it ignited in her to make sure his death had some positive impact on the community he loved.  I laughed, I cried, simply stunning.

Hayley Wood was on great form as Chris bringing out the vulnerability that lay behind her brash exterior as she tries to guide her son as he enters the difficult years of being a teenager without making the mistakes she thinks she made at his age.  Hayley was particularly strong when working with Kathi as Annie’s confidant and rock.  I very much enjoyed the energy of Louisa Ward who revelled her role as the silicone enhance ex-air steward Celia, who now is committed to social climbing but who also is steadfast in her support for her friends when they need her.  Alex Tavener was also on great form and though a little younger than those who usually play the part of Jessie provided great musical highlights and a completely believable acting performance.  Anna Fitzpatrick again produced one of the best performances I have seen from her.  Her portrayal of Cora was funny, sensitive and sympathetic and hats off for being brave enough to take on the most revealing tableaus of the night.  Megan Asher brought the timid Ruth to life and again, through her understated delivery, made the audience sympathise with her through her husband’s betrayals and celebrate when she, with a little help from her Russian friend, threw herself into her calendar pose.

Dan Bates, reliable as ever, gave John the right balance of Yorkshire stoicism and vulnerability always looking on the bright side without overplaying any aspect of the role.  Richard Dawson also judged his portrayal of Rod to great effect so that you could see why Chris would have married him and his son Danny would respect him.  Martin Briggs was on great form as Colin as was Martin Lewis as Denis. Good to see Martin L on stage for once rather than on MD duty.. 

One difference between the Play and Musical is the addition of the Teenagers Danny, Tommo and Jenny.  Gabryl Oleshko managed to make Danny a very believable adolescent as he tried to appear to be more cool than he really is,  become head boy to please his mother and begin the journey of discovery of alcohol and girls.  Sophie Robbins was just right as Jenny the “too cool for school” rebel as she pushed against what she saw as an overbearing mother and boring village life.  Hayden Fletcher was also very believable as Tommo as he supported Danny in all his adventures and brought energy and drive to every scene he was in.  Chrissie Oaken as the WI leader Marie, complete with her prudish reaction to the Calendar plan effortlessly supported the action as did James Christian as the easily shocked photographer Lawrence.   The other members of the ensemble cast all played their parts in making this a very enjoyable and uplifting show so congratulations to Laura and Karen a very brave Tea and Coffee, Brenda, Tyna, John, Claire, Emma, Gary, Laurie Finch and Laurie Trott, Nathalie, Nick, Paige and Sue.

Rachel Bates and Abbi Burns had done a great job bringing this story to life with all the characters allowed to develop and build the ensemble feel to the show.  Peter Cook and Martin Lewis brought out the musical highlights and ensemble numbers and delivered a good balance between pit and stage.   Costuming, Props and digital backdrops all added to the production with fast changes between scenes which all should be suitably proud of.    

Congratulations!

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