Directed by Lynne Jeffries, Calendar Girls: The Musical is a story of friendship, grief and joy, based on the true story of members of the Rylstone and District WI who created a nude fundraising calendar in 1999.
Written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, the show features a moving soundtrack that beautifully supports the storytelling, including individual songs for each of the six principal Calendar Girls, members of the Knapely Women’s Institute. The musical direction by Rowan Jeffries and Nadia Graversen was spot on.
For many of the cast, this production marked their first principal role and first solo performance. If that wasn’t daunting enough, they also appeared “naked” during the famous photo shoot scenes.
A keen audience packed The Carnegie for a sell-out performance and were welcomed by Anna Kedge (Marie), in true WI style. From the opening number, the audience was whisked away to Yorkshire as the scene was set, and we were introduced to John, husband of Annie, whose story the show is built around.
With a minimal yet beautifully crafted set, the focus remained firmly on the story. The cast took the audience on an emotional journey that moved seamlessly from sorrow to joy and everything in between. Emma Kelly (Chris), Linzi Holding (Annie), Rowan Jeffries (Cora), Liz Burt (Celia), Jo Cooper (Jessie) and Caroline Foot (Ruth) portrayed their characters with authenticity, warmth and great skill. Their support for one another during the photo shoot scenes transformed these iconic moments into celebrations of female empowerment, friendship and joy, with great use of some very strategic prop placement! Jo van der Hulks (Miss Wilson Coffee) and Sarah Greenwood (Miss Wilson Tea) brought the house down with their comic timing and cheeky sunflower unveilings.
The supporting cast also delivered strong performances throughout. Martin Godfrey (John) deserves special recognition for going the extra mile and “braving the shave” for his role while raising a considerable amount for Macmillan. Nat Holding (Rod), Phil Pearson (Colin), Danny Pidd (Denis), Zoran Hanitzsch (Lawrence), Sebastian Donoghue (Tommo), Lexi Brien (Danny), Summer-Brooke Harvey (Jenny) and Janien Squires (Lady Cravenshire/Brenda Hulse) all brought their characters to life with equal commitment and charm.
Many of the cast have experienced the loss of friends and family to cancer, making the themes of the show particularly personal. Of course, a great show is not just about the cast, who had fantastic backstage support from the production team, sound and lighting technicians, stage crew and the incredibly welcoming Front of House team.
Thetford Players have also thrown themselves wholeheartedly into supporting Macmillan, creating a stunning calendar that was available exclusively during the show’s run and sold out quickly. Their initial total was raised even higher when cast member, Seb, also Braved the Shave after the show. £2,440 has been raised.
