Calendar Girls the Musical

Calendar Girls probably needs no introduction, such is its popularity both as a stage show and a film. The story of the ladies of Rylestone and District Women’s Institute, who bare all for a calendar to raise enough money to buy a new sofa for a hospital ward, went global and the money raised has surpassed all expectations.  Now thanks to the combined talents of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the story is once again attracting audiences, this time as a musical.

The people at Centre Stage are no strangers to taking on a challenge and they certainly don’t do things by halves.  If they were going to perform this show, they too were going to strip off for their own calendar as part of their fund raising, not for a sofa but for their local hospice and Cancer Research UK.  I wish them every success in these endeavours. 

The company had put together a strong cast who really did justice to the quite challenging musical numbers, both chorus and solos.  A beautiful performance by Victoria Carey as Annie and I’m sure many reached for a tissue when she sang ‘Kilimanjaro’.  Her husband John’s illness and death were sympathetically portrayed by Gareth Barton.  Emily Robshaw-Hull was terrific as Celia and had us all laughing as she sang her solo ‘So I’ve Had a Little Work Done’.  Debbie Este was Chris. This was another strong performance and I did feel for her when she lost her voice whilst singing. This was though dealt with very professionally and I doubt there were many in the audience who were aware of what happened.

Emma Letcher was WI President Marie and well done to Kate Davy as Ruth singing “My Russian Friend and I”, while drowning her sorrows with a bottle of vodka  

Well done to Zoe Hunt as Cora and Sam Barker as Jessie and to Cian Harriss as Lawrence the rather hapless photographer.  At one point I thought he was going to completely lose his nerve, but in the end the whole thing was very cleverly done to save his blushes!

A special mention for Sarah Lomas and Jackie Parker as Tea and Coffee. Ladies, I admire your bravery!

Congratulations to Hector Duckworth-Smith, Emily Bonfield and Charlie Jones as Danny, Jenny and Tommo.  I have had the pleasure of seeing these three young people before and I hope they continue to enjoy their acting.  They are certainly an asset to the company.

The whole cast worked so well together and the Yorkshire accent was kept up throughout.

Scenery and props were kept to a minimum with the months unfolding on a screen at the back of the stage together with lovely scenes of the Yorkshire Moors which John loved so much. This was very effective.

Good accompaniment by the band, conducted by Karen Chinery and sound throughout was well balanced.

Unfortunately the lighting appeared to be a bit hit and miss. The stage did seem very dark at times, particularly noticeable when the cast were taking their bows, which was a shame.

That apart, I thoroughly enjoyed this production and hope the local community comes together to help you raise your target amount for two very deserving charities.

 

 

 

 

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