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:

Kieran Johnson - 12 November 2012

With a troupe of terrific actresses and a story that connects with pretty much the entire nation, it’s no wonder Calendar Girls is still packing out theatres two years after its first national tour.

Lesley Joseph and Sue Holderness head up the ensemble as Chris and Annie, a pair of best friends that experience turmoil  after the loss of Annie’s husband (John Bruce McGregor) to cancer. In his honour, they suggest to their W.I. that the best way to raise money for a new sofa in the relatives room at Skipton General, they pose nude (not naked), for their edition of next year’s calendar.

Both ladies are terrific in their respective roles. Joseph is strong and independent, forceful but caring and her comedic presence receives a warm welcome from the audience. Annie’s character is of a more vulnerable and soft nature which Holderness makes believable.

With help from Ruth (Kacey Ainsworth), Cora (Deena Payne), Jessie ...

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