Based on the well-known true story, Calendar Girls the musical features a group of Yorkshire women who decide to produce a nude calendar in order to raise money for Leukaemia Research following the passing of Chris, one of the Women’s Institute’s partners.
The film was the original spin out of the true life events, starring the likes of Julie Walters and Helen Mirren, which was a huge hit and has since inspired a play and a musical. I remember watching the film but only once and a long time ago. I expected to enjoy the musical as The Grand always puts on great shows, but didn’t realise how much I would come to love it. Given the nature of the story, it really provoked some raw emotion in the audience, which I’ve never experienced before in a musical! Having said that, the majority of Calendar Girls is uplifting and positive and a show for all ages.
Each member of the WI brings something exciting to the stage but one of my favourite characters had to be Chris, played by Amy Robbins. It could be said that she’s like your classic Yorkshire lady; loud, witty and incredibly kind. Her relationship with Annie was incredibly heart-warming and the Director, Jonathan O’Boyle, did an amazing job of getting the poignant scenes across without making it so obvious in the acting. The rest of the cast’s relationships with each other came across well and reflective of a typical women’s group!
There was a fabulous mix of songs with some being upbeat and catchy, others being used to portray emotion and hard times within the different personalities of the WI. Visually the set is simple, not quite amateur, but just what it needs to be for the type of story being told. In the classic Yorkshire style it is not overdone with frivolity! I loved the use of the windows in the WI to show the rolling hills of Yorkshire and the different colours of the sunrise and sunsets to parallel the mood of the musical in each scene.
We were privileged to be joined by three of the original Calendar Girls on opening night, who were greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. Each performance also raises funds for Blood Cancer UK which is just another wonderful touch of the musical.
Book you tickets now to see Calendar Girls at The Grand Theatre Leeds or look out for a performance where you live. You will LOVE it!
Review written by Amelia Wheatcroft-Brown (@ameliabrown)
