Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
Calendar Girls is a show I know well. I’ve seen the play version at least 3 times and have performed in it myself as Annie. Including this production I’ve now seen the musical version 5 times, from the original West End cast to a touring professional production, and 2 local amateur groups, all who took on the real life story of Knapley WI in Yorkshire and their astonishing ‘nude calendar’, which has now raised millions of pounds for charity.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
This is however the first time I’ve seen the show done where the cast play the musically instruments, in true New Wolsey style, and it added a whole new dimension.
The entire cast are incredible and, such is their chemistry, you honestly believe these women have been friends and comrades in the local WI for years. This is a story of empowerment, courage and love in many forms, but unlike the straight play the musical gives more for the men and teenage children to do and it’s a richer, more well rounded story for it.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
At the heart of the show is John Clark , played by Neil Moors, with a beautiful voice and a commanding stage presence. It is his leukemia diagnosis that sparks the ladies into action to take the plunge and take off their kit for the calendar. The love story between him and wife Annie, Christina Meehan, is also central to the plot and you feel the presence of ‘ Clarky’ in the village and the story long after life has changed forever for Annie.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
The other pivotal relationship is the 40 years of friendship between Annie and Chris, played by Karen Holmes. Together since school, the ladies have a deep bond which is tested during the trials and tribulations of getting this charity calendar off the ground. Both actresses play their parts superbly with tremendous power in their singing voices. Indeed the whole cast should be congratulated for their immense talent: to act, sing and play multiple instruments during a show as emotionally charged as this is no mean feat.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
I would like to give a special mention to the young people in cast; Thomas Donnan as Danny, Isabelle Casement as Jenny and Kit Widdup as Tommo. They add energy and a great sense of humour to the show and are also amazingly talented.
Another highlight was the wonderfully raucous number when Celia, played by Pippa Duffy, reveals she’s ‘ Had a Little Work Done’.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography
With the book by the original writer Tim Firth and a score full of beautiful harmonies by Gary Barlow you’ll come away humming the songs and dabbing your eyes with a sense of sadness, joy and admiration.
Calendar Girls The Musical is at the New Wolsey until 26th September but don’t hang about, the night I went it was sold out and the audience were on the feet giving the cast a well deserved standing ovation, so I strongly advise you to book your tickets asap so you don’t miss out on this joyous life affirming show.
Calendar Girls The Musical runs until 26th September at the New Wolsey Theatre with matinee and evening performances – visit the New Wolsey Website for more details and to book or call the Box Office on 01473 295900
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