Calendar Girls - The Musical

The story of the Yorkshire ladies of the WI, who produced a nude calendar is known throughout the world. When a story is so well loved, there comes an expectation, when we go to the theatre to see a live version. Maltby Musical Theatre Groups production lived up to all the expectations, and more. 

The musical offers many roles, for lots of society members, but the success of the show relies on the relationship between the six calendar girls. The trust these ladies had in each other was off the scale, and the chemistry could be felt in the audience. Fiona Broadhead, as Chris, shines every second she is on the stage and gave a incredible performance. With a power house of a voice, this is one performance I’ll remember for a few years to come. I still laugh now at ‘How quick she got served’ 

Anita Boylan, was very impressive as Annie. Every member of the audience, felt her grief, as her Husband, John, played exceptionally by Barry Foster, succumbed to Leukaemia. It was an emotionally charged performance, and so nice to see Anita play something completely different. Step out of your comfort zone more often, Anita. 

Elaine Demaine, once again proved what a talent she is as she took on the role of retired teacher, Jessie.  Elaine dominated the stage with every move, look and note she sang, and reminded us that age is just a number. It was so nice to see Lizzie Murphy and Wendy Barrows, step out of the ensemble and play principal roles in this production. Lizzie and Wendy played Celia and Ruth, respectively and both triumphed in their portrayals. The final calendar girl is single mum and vicars daughter, Cora, played  by Rachel Smith. Rachel was wonderful in this role and I loved her rendition of Who Wants A Silent Night? 

Of course, as mentioned above, there are other roles within this show and credit must be given to Karen Mills as Marie, Nigel Brewitt as Rod, Jonny Bamforth as Denis and Tom Knight as Colin. Andrew Trueman was a true gentleman as Lawrence the photographer and must not have known where to look the majority of the time. 

There’s also room the younger members to display their talents in this show, and Joe Handley as Danny, Harrison Turner as Tommo and Jess Kennedy as Jenny were truly wonderful. They managed to hold their own on a stage with so much knowledge and experience around them. Joe , in particular I thought had so much presence. 

Bev Bailey and Heather Brooke raised laughs from the audience as Miss Wilson (Tea) and Miss Wilson (coffee) respectively. Joanne Farthing as Brenda gave us another comic turn. I don’t think I’ll ever look at broccoli in the same way again. Lindsay Hans, Lyn Redfern, Sandy Cox, Tony Bibb and Ray Roberts completed the cast.

I must also mention the excellent production team behind this show. Richard Wilshaw (Director), Steve Trotter (MD) and Anita Boylan  ( choreographer). You created an amazing piece of theatre, which will be remembered by audiences and cast alike for many years to come, and isn’t that what it’s all about? 

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