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. Cast may vary
The story behind the 1998 'Alternative WI Calendar' always had the elements built into it that would attract newspaper stories, playwrights and the movie industry. But don't worry: this latest production doesn't suffer by comparison to Hollywood.
Annie is a Women's Institute regular. When her husband, John, finally loses his battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, her best friend Chris decides that they should raise enough money to replace the uncomfortable sofa in the Relatives Room at Skipton Hospital where he was treated – by making an alternative, nude, WI calendar. The results are both touching and funny.
Jan Harvey as Annie and Lynda Bellingham as Chris both give outstanding performances, making their emotions and motivations completely believable. Annie's sadness contrasts Chris' vivacity perfectly. John is played with subtlety and commitment by Joe McGann; what a shame that the plot only gives him a presence in the first few scenes.
Tim Firth's script is stunning, of course and director Jack Ryder brings the comedy and tragedy elements in it to an equal balance. Robert Jones' simple but effective set provides the perfect backdrop.
In real life, the calendar girls went on to raise millions and continue their fund-raising work to this day; the fictional version is just as long-lived. This is a show which deserves every plaudit going and if you love a good story, you won't go wrong here.
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