Calendar Girls the Musical

Calendar Girls the Musical is based on the 2003 film which itself is based on a true story of how the members of the Women’s Institute in a Yorkshire village, responding to the death of the husband of one of their members, raised funds for their local hospital by posing for a nude but tasteful calendar. The theme of Calendar Girls is all about community coming together and this was echoed in Largs strong ensemble cast who worked well together while allowing the central characters in the story to have their moment in the sun. 

Kirsty Campbell gave a very brave and strong performance as Annie with lovely and touching characterisation and vocals.  This was contrasted well with Sharon Tucker as the bolder Chris who brought comedy to the scenes but also showed the vulnerability that lay behind her bright exterior in the middle of act 2. Kirsty and Sharon had a lovely believable friendship and worked well together.

Morag Robertson brought a funny and energetic character to the friendship group and her leading vocals in “Who Wants a Silent Night” were excellent. Pat Nicol with her warmth as Jessie, the older and wiser member of the W.I. group was fantastic and showcased her strength in her solo number “What Age Expects of You”. I really enjoyed the energy of Sarah Campbell who revelled in her role as the silicone enhanced ex-air steward Celia. Lynsey Ewing brought the timid Ruth to life and used a balance of sweetness with comedy to make the audience sympathise with her through her husband’s betrayals and celebrate when she, with a little help from her Russian friend, built up the courage to take part in the calendar.

The six girls worked well together and the comradery in the earlier scene in act 2 when Annie and Chris are trying to persuade them into doing the calendar, and the photoshoot scene at the end was beautiful. I would like to congratulate them all for their bravery in baring all on the stage, something to that takes a lot of courage and I know they’ll be proud of. You could feel the supportive energy form the audience in the build up to each photo being taken.

Of course, as mentioned above, the story is enhanced with a variety of other roles within this show and credit must be given to Andy Park as John, Donna Laing as Marie, Michael Lyden as Rod, Stewart MacDougall as Lawrence, Allan Milligan as Denis, and Drew Cochrane as Colin.

The cast also gives the opportunity for some younger members to display their talents and Joseph Teaz as Danny, Jack Harkness as Tommo and Julia Coulthard as Jenny were truly wonderful. They brought lovely comedy relief to the breaks in the more serious storyline in a perfect way.

Lynne McCabe and Jacqui McAllister raised laughs from the audience as Miss Wilson (Tea) and Miss Wilson (Coffee) respectively especially their featured moment in the last scene.

A great show for the club to be proud of and lots of credit to the production team for bringing this very poignant story to the stage.

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