The true story of the Women’s Institute ladies who released a topless calendar can currently be seen in a touring stage production. This week, ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ plays at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.
When a branch of the WI in a small Yorkshire town raised funds by selling a topless calendar featuring its members in poses with baked goods and floral displays, they could hardly have suspected that news of their money-spinning venture would capture the nation’s hearts and enter the public psyche. Yet their adventure was turned into ‘Calendar Girls’, the hit British film of 2003. A touring play followed and in recent years the phenomenon has enjoyed a new lease of life in the form of a musical. Penned by Take That’s Gary Barlow (no less) in partnership with Tim Firth, ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ peppers the now familiar story of the ladies of the Rylstone WI with belting theatrical numbers.
This production captures what is successful and beloved about the story. There’s a glorious and distinctively English eccentricity to a group of no-nonsense Yorkshirewomen stripping off to raise money. The added poignancy is that it’s the death of one of their tribe that gives them the idea that would later propel them into the public eye. Their cheeky fundraiser humbly aimed to raise money for a new sofa for the family of patients in the local hospital. Fame and shock value were the last things on their minds. As such, ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ is a heartwarming treat for the family. In essence, it is a tale of friendship and coming together for a common purpose in the face of adversity.
This production benefits from a phenomenally good cast that has gelled together effectively. Over the course of just over two hours, the audience gets to know the women and their individual foibles, hopes and aspirations. The best songs are the ones that give each actor their moment in the spotlight to shine. We were especially impressed by Samantha Seager’s gutsy solo ‘Sunflower’ as her character Chris finds her self-belief. Maureen Nolan, no stranger to singing in front of live audiences, also received thunderous applause for ‘My Russian Friend and I’, a revelation about her character’s inner demons. Laurie Brett, in the key role of Annie, has a terrific rapport with Colin R Campbell, playing her husband John. She wins over the audience from her first scene. Everyone will have their favourite character, whether it’s Honeysuckle Weeks’ down-to-earth Cora, Helen Pearson’s always over-dressed Celia, Lyn Paul’s once-a-teacher-always-a-teacher Jessie, or Liz Carney’s prim and proper Marie.
Members of the WI may worry about stereotyping with endless references to knitting, cake sales and home-made crafts. Though they’d have to concede that there’s more than a grain of truth to this affectionate portrayal of the Christian ladies who form the backbone of their local communities.
Although the show is a hit, it takes its time to get into its stride. Arguably, the story doesn’t really get cracking until the calendar idea takes root, but at least the ladies are such great company in the meantime. The second half of the production is much stronger, and the cast certainly ramped up a few gears after the interval last night. This more than made up for a few slow cues and marks missed in the first act.
For those who love to leave a musical singing the catchiest songs, it’s the solo numbers that are the showstoppers and where the show hits its heights. “Yorkshire”, in which they all sing across one another, is an oddly unmemorable melody to open the show with.
These criticisms are to point out that the show is imperfect, but if tightened a little in the first act, it very well might get close to theatrical perfection. After the interval, we were laughing, sobbing and utterly gripped by the story. In the second half of its life, ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ blossoms into life like a sunflower, and the seven leading actors are all completely compelling. It was thrilling to experience the high points of the show when the actors knew they had the entire audience in their spell. They worked together magnificently to keep us hooked. Every one of them deserved the thunderous applause that accompanied the curtain call.
If you haven’t seen the show but love the film, go along and catch it. This is a great production that gets to the heart of what makes the story so special. You’ll experience the magic in a whole new way. If you haven’t seen it but enjoy funny, affecting, delightfully English ensemble pieces with plenty of good-natured banter, then ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ delivers in abundance.
Cast: Laurie Brett, Liz Carney, Maureen Nolan, Lyn Paul, Helen Pearson, Samantha Seager, Honeysuckle Weeks, Colin R Campbell, Andrew Tuton Writers: Gary Barlow and Tim Firth Director: Jonathan O’Boyle Duration: 155 mins Theatre: The Churchill, Bromley Dates: 10th – 13th January 2024 Book ‘Calendar Girls the Musical’ now
