Calendar Girls The Musical is an uplifting show now playing at His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Jack Merriman
If you ever wished to leave a legacy behind then surely there can be none more heart-warming that of John Baker whose true story inspired the legendary Calendar Girls.
Their uplifting story went on to become a global phenomenon, inspire a million copycat calendars, a record-breaking movie, stage play and now a touring musical – with a soaring score by Gary Barlow - which runs at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday this week.
The real-life story of the tragic death WI member Annie’s husband John inspires the ladies of the Knapely branch in Yorkshire to embark on a daring dabble with nudity to produce a calendar in the hope they will raise enough funds to replace the ‘death trap settee’ in the local hospital waiting room.
Not only does a new settee materialise but because of the intense media interest in their efforts the ladies raise over £6 million for Leukaemia Research and a new hospital wing named in John’s memory.
First class cast turning in outstanding performances in Calendar Girls at His Majesty's. Image - Jack Merriman
For the musical take on this story, Laurie Brett, who plays Annie, and Samantha Seager, as her closest friend Chris, lead a talented cast who tell this tale of female friendship with wit and genuine emotion at its heart.
The action shifts between weekly WI meetings, a hospital waiting room and the intimidating Women’s Institute Federation Conference where Chris comes into her own as she tells the disapproving WI that their calendars need to “capture the creatures of the WI in their native environment, surely that’s what the WI is all about... women?”
Tim Firth’s sparkling script is sprinkled with light-hearted quips, mostly from the WI pals as they openly carp at the boredom of WI life. The musical score by Firth and Gary Barlow adds tenderness and relevance to the story.
Laurie Brett puts in a first-class performance as Annie and her solo performance of Scarborough is a particularly poignant moment in the show.
Undoubtedly the lyrics resonate with the audience who relate to the words and are left thinking about the loss of their loved ones when she sings the line “if you’re not here?”
Laughter and tears are a heady mix in Calendar Girls. Image - Jack Merriman
The musical is set entirely in the local village hall with clever use of additional signage displayed from the ceiling taking you on the journey to the hospital scenes and the WI National Conference location.
Colin Campbell puts in a strong performance as Annie’s husband John, or Clarkey, as he is affectionately known, and Andrew Tuton marks his professional debut as Chris’s partner Rod, portraying the slightly clumsy photographer in a perfectly pitched performance.
There are not many shows that portray tragedy and triumph with such terrific comical style. Calendar Girls is a true celebration of friendship and thanks to a first-class cast you leave feeling like you have made some new friends too.
Take it from me if you have time to spare this week the journey from the Dales village hall to the Hollywood red carpet is one you will be glad to take with the cast of the touring production of Calendar Girls the Musical ... whatever the size of your buns!
Calendar Girls The Musical runs at His Majesty's Theatre until Saturday, February 17. You can find more information and tickets here
Review by Shona Byrne