The stage version of the well known true story of the WI ladies who stripped for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund is currently touring the UK, with well known stage and screen stars including Lynda Bellingham, Jan Turner and Letitia Dean. Milton Keynes Theatre plays host for two weeks, until Saturday 27 March.
As the drama unfolds, tension naturally builds towards the scene where the photographs are taken, which is handled delicately and very successfully with a great deal of humour.
However, the story has a second theme running throughout describing the relationship between two of the main characters. The effects of fame caused by intense media coverage of the story are examined and give an insight into how ordinary people can be swept away when caught up in unfamiliar events. This builds to a crescendo in the last scene.
Talking of scenes, I must congratulate the set designer whose scenery is simple and works well in the context of the play. Not so successful was the sound quality, particularly in the first two scenes. I struggled to distinguish some of the words and missed a couple of humorous moments. However, this did improve as the evening went on and by the end I could hear everything clearly.
Adapted from the film version by the same writer, Calendar Girls provides a good evening of entertainment. I understand that tickets are selling fast so if you want to see this excellent production don’t wait, book your tickets now.
Judi Whiting of words@amoreden