Reviewed by Lucy Gwilliam
Last night, I was delighted to be able watch the Calendar Girls – The Musical, live at The Lowry theatre in Salford, Manchester.
I have wanted to watch this musical rendition of the hit film of the same name since it had premiered in 2017 at The Lowry. I was dismayed to have missed the opportunity to see it last year but overjoyed when I was asked to review this spectacular performance last night.
The show is based upon the successful film and play The Calendar Girls, which sees 12 members of the Women’s institute in Yorkshire take their clothes off to appear in a nude calendar to raise money in memory of one of the women’s husbands, in order to buy a sofa for the hospital where he was treated for cancer.
The hit musical was born from a collaboration of Calendar Girls film and play writer Tim Firth and his friend songwriter, Gary Barlow. With such talent on board, could you expect anything less than success? The storyline and songs fit so well together, a marriage made in heaven. I was not disappointed one bit.
The story was so moving and very tastefully done that I was engrossed from the word go. The storyline was so close to home and it really moved me. It was such a genuine, relatable and honest script, that who would not fall in love with each of the characters?
Although the script was so moving, it was also absolutely hilarious throughout. With witty outbursts from the main all-star cast and even the younger cast members held their own with some great one-liners.
I absolutely loved the songs, I am a huge Gary Barlow and Take That fan so it was a joy to hear the songs which were so evidently written by Gary Barlow, sung live on stage.
The main part of the show, which everyone was so excited about was where the ladies get naked for their calendar shoot. It was so elegantly delivered yet there were a few laughs thrown in for good measure.
Overall, the whole audience had a blast. It was such a truly enjoyable evening. I would definitely recommend this show and would rate it 5 stars.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17 (booking fees may apply).
Calendar Girls is at The Lowry in Manchester from 30 October to 10 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
