Calendar Girls The Musical Theatre by the Lake Keswick Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jo Hardy
Produced in partnership with Stephen Joseph Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Octagon, Bolton Theatre, and based on the play and film, this musical is written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and directed by Paul Robinson.
I think most people will be familiar with the true story of a group of ladies from a Yorkshire Women’s Institute joining together to produce a calendar to raise money for charity. The thing that drew everyone’s attention was the fact that the ladies decided to pose nude for the photographs — not something you would normally associate with the Women’s Institute.
The set is very simple: parquet flooring and hard seating, typical of village halls all over the country where WI groups meet, ingeniously transition into a village green for the fete and a colourful field of sunflowers for the finale.
The show is staged “in the round”. The audience are so close that it creates a real shared experience.
The large cast of fifteen are all amazing, not only fabulous actors but powerful singers and accomplished musicians. The stage is bursting with talent. A special mention must go to the supporting cast of three local actors, Thomas Donnan, Leah Montgomery and Sol Tommo, who bring great energy to the stage every time they appear.
This is such a powerful story in its own right, but the music adds another layer of emotion. Beautiful lyrics accompanied by brass instruments played by the cast really get into your soul. “Another Year in Yorkshire” is a proper earworm, and I sang it to myself all the way home. I think we can all take some advice from the words in “What’s Age Expects”. The most emotional moment for me was when Annie half-sang and half-spoke about life without John.
The story is about pain and grief, but also community and friendship. It’s told in a very relatable way; none of it is sugar-coated, but it is gently sprinkled with humour and northern spirit.
The iconic calendar photo shoot was choreographed so well that stripping off with an audience on all sides appeared effortless, and was a lesson in body positivity.
The show ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.
It made me laugh, cry, contemplate life and value my friendships and reminded me of what can be achieved when people pull together. These remarkable ladies started off wanting to raise enough money to provide a comfortable sofa in the hospital and have gone on to raised millions for charity.
Calendar Girls the Musical is showing at Theatre by the Lake from 6 August to 5 September. Most performances start at 7.30pm, with 2pm matinees on selected dates. The show runs for 2 hours and 50 minutes, including an interval, and is suitable for ages 14+. Ticket prices start at £12 and can be booked through the theatre website: theatrebythelake.com.
In true WI style Theatre by the Lake Spotlight Cafe is offering pre show afternoon tea or picnic in the park baskets prices start at £50 for two and have to be preordered at
theatrebythelake@baxterstorey.com
Rating: 5/5