Calendar Girls

Synopsis

A group of extraordinary women, members of a very ordinary Yorkshire WI, persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference - no more photos of Wharfedale Bridges or Norman churches for them. Overcoming their initial reserve, the friends drop their dressing gowns, modesty spared only by artfully placed cakes, knitting and flower arrangements. Puzzling their husbands, mortifying their children, and riding the wrath of the outraged WI, they spark a global phenomenon. But as media interest snowballs, the Calendar Girls find themselves exposed in ways they’d never expected, revealing more about themselves than they’d ever planned. A very English story with a very English heart, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious. Adapted by Tim Firth from the Miramax film of the same name, it is based on uplifting, inspiring true events.

Our Review:

22 February 2011

The heart-warming tale of the Calendar Girls continues as the stage show hits Manchester this week, as part of its final ever tour. Based on an inspiring true story, this popular play shows what extraordinary things a group of ordinary women can achieve, when they persuade each other to pose for an unusually revealing charity calendar...

Lynda Bellingham is warm and funny as Chris, rallying the Calendar Girls into action on behalf of best friend Annie (Trudie Goodwin) – who has recently lost her husband John (Joe McGann) to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The gentle humour of Tim Firth's script swells with the passing of the seasons, culminating hilariously with the now world-famous calendar photo-shoot, deftly achieved on stage with the strategic placing of cakes, knitting and flower arrangements.

As well as its incredible fund-raising power, the calendar has an unlooked-for effect on some of the participants. Timid Ruth...

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Latest User Review

Judith Mottram - 26 February 2011:

Went to the matinee on Wed 23rd Feb at Palace in Manchester. Absolutely wonderful. Enjoyed every minute. Well worth seeing. Thank you to all involved...

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