Calendar Girls - The Musical

There is little I can add to the wealth of information supplied in your programme with regard to this inspirational story. The members of the Rylstone WI were a truly amazing group of women. ‘Calendar Girls ’is a musical that, despite the sadness and reason for the original calendar, leaves the audience feeling uplifted, humbled and filled with admiration, not only for the women of Yorkshire who had the vision and brought it to fruition, but also for the ones who are still prepared to go on stage and ‘bare all’ to retell the story today.

A backcloth of the Yorkshire Dales set the scene and with the help of a very competent back stage team the stage became the flower shop, the meeting hall, hospital waiting room etc. The stile upstage left added interest and authenticity to the outdoor scenes and the sofa served to turn downstage right into the hospital waiting room. The musical number ‘Yorkshire’ made a strong opening as the variety of characters were introduced to the audience.

In the role of John, Kevin Sampson played the part well, portraying a true down-to-earth yet gentle Yorkshireman just getting on with life as he dealt with his diagnosis and treatment without complaint.

Hazel Burrows was impressive as his wife Annie. She expressed all the emotions such a diagnosis and treatment would bring; hope, which eventually turned into acceptance. After John's death she faces the reality of continuing without him - ‘Kilimanjaro’ was very moving.

Annie’s fellow WI members who dared to appear in the calendar with her all played their individual characters with skill and obvious enjoyment.

I loved the Christmas carol session led by Cora and in that role Ellie Cahill-Nicholls was excellent.

Tracyann Johnson looked great as Celia and gave a good performance. ‘So I’ve Had A Little Work Done’ was very amusing.

A first-rate performance, and with notable diction, was from Alexandra Yates as Chris. She was the instigator of the whole idea and was strong enough to persuade the others, regardless of their inhibitions.

As Marie, the rather pompous leader of the WI group, Kate Wakely gave a strong performance.

Rachel Davison was convincing in the role of the school teacher Jessie.

Ruth has one of the many memorable songs to sing and I really enjoyed Susie Gow’s rendition of ‘My Russian Friend and I’.

In his first outing for the company Daniel Roose played Danny the son of Chris and Rod and he played the part strongly. ‘Protect me Less’ with Jenny was good.

Playing Jenny, the daughter of Marie, Annie Broomhall was commendable and definitely a new asset to the group.

The three husbands sang ‘Girls’ with humour and they all gave support to their wives in the roles. Their individual characters came across clearly. Rod’s song ‘Don’t go out with Christine Butler’ possibly rang bells for a number of people in the audience and he put it across well.

Theo Kwist, another young newcomer, made a credible Tommo.

Sarah Goebel presented an aristocratic Lady Cravenshire and looked very much the part in her striking outfit.

All of the other named characters, along with the ensemble, added strongly to the musical and made it a heart-warming, fun entertainment.

There were two other ladies in the cast who definitely need a mention. They were Laura Musco (Miss Wilson - tea) and Melanie Tyrell (Miss Wilson - coffee). They worked so well together, were perfectly matched in demeanour, as well as costume, and their ‘piece de resistance’, as they turned their backs on the audience, was priceless!

Costumes were suitable for a mixed group of ladies with their individual styles and the props were good. The flower stall was an attractive splash of colour downstage left and the other venues were made quite clear with a minimum of props/furniture.

Lighting added to the ambience and the sound was balanced.

Diana Vivian led and controlled the band ensuring that they didn’t overpower the singers but accompanied them sympathetically.

Direction by Heather Legat was good. The stage became a different place with a minimum of furniture and props and the WI National Meeting worked convincingly by using the audience with a few ‘plants’ from Knapely W I. There were attractive stage groupings and the photo session was masterly – I can only imagine how often it had to be rehearsed to stay on the right side of decency! The large cracker was fun and the ladies all in black for the finale was perfect, The multitude of Sunflowers – lovely!

Your programme is colourful and attractive with plenty of information.

I’m so pleased that I was able to see one of your productions – it was a most entertaining and enjoyable evening.

Thank you for the hospitality on the evening – it was good to meet your Chairman, David.

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