Calendar Girls - The Play

Based on a true story, Calendar Girls is a play that I have always wanted see and although I have seen the musical I was looking forward to seeing how Glantawe Theatre Company would bring the play to life and I wasn’t disappointed. 

The death of much loved husband, John, played so endearingly by Russell Rees, prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire women's institute to pose for an 'artistic' nude calendar to raise money for the hospital where John was treated.

The script is genius but needs leading ladies who can deliver the comedy but also those moving movements throughout the play. Lowri Paynter, for me delivers on all levels in which was her best performance that I have seen. Her best friend Annie, played by Melissa Davies, was a character that needed so much connection with the script and I felt Melissa was absolutely on top of her game. Between them they led the ladies with a classy, moving and comedic performance. Well done ladies! There were many beautiful moment across the evening, but it has to be believable and it was. They meant every word and I felt every moment. 

Supporting Lowri & Melissa were - Angharad Davies as Cora, Amy Wright as Celia, Heidi James as Ruth, Gaynor Laffan as Jessie and Marie Benjamin as Marie. There wasn’t a weak link and this was proved with the team work, hard work and the inevitable bare all scenes that the ladies have to do in this play. It takes a lot of guts to do it and each “month” was directed really well by Anthony to ensure privacy for the female cast. I laughed, shed a few and I have to congratulate you all. Great job 

Supporting the ladies was previously mentioned Russell Rees as John, Paul Davies as Rod, Liam Phillips as Lawrence, David Treseder as Liam, Elaine Rees as Lady Cravenshire, Dana Maskell as Brenda & Megan Nottingham as Elaine. Each part was well cast and even though very much cameo in size, very important to the story and performed well. 

The set worked really well and designed to be fully used in every scene. This meant the play flowed really well and there were very few pauses in between scenes. The incidental music recorded by Andrew Harries was a lovely personal touch, it’s always nice to utilise the talents within a company. 

I have to say that for me this was Glantawes finest production I have personally seen. It leaves audiences feeling all kinds of emotions and tells a very moving story. A story that for many of us is personal on so many levels. 

Congratulations & thank you for the invite and I look forward to seeing you all soon. 

 

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