QR Theatre Review: Calendar Girls
Calendar Girls: The Musical, is in its own words the story of a group of women who did something extraordinary. It tracks what Angela Baker and a wonderful community did following the passing of her husband, John. In the depths of her loss Angela turned her focus onto a positive goal, and that goal was to raise the money to gift a new sofa to the relative’s room at the hospital her husband was treated in. The plan was simple and slightly controversial to some at the time, a nude calendar for their local W.I, despite some initial controversy the group garnered international support and have now raised millions for Bloodwise, the charity they have been long associated with.
This wonderful musical filled with just the right mixture of upbeat tracks and emotional ballads to carry us through the character's brave journey was written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and is continuing its tour across the UK in 2019.
The most important point that I just have to hammer home is that this show truly encompasses for me a heart-warming dedication to female friendship and the power of community. You will laugh, and you will cry, it is truly magical.
The cast was fantastic and honestly made the show what it was for me. My particularly favourites from the leading ladies were, Sarah Jane Buckley (Annie) and Rebecca Storm (Chris), who’s portrayal of two best friends of forty years was incredible, their immense chemistry and stage presence was captivating.
Sue Devaney was also a favourite of the night, she gave a fantastically charismatic, fun performance as an empowering single mum. With ‘Who wants a silent night?’ a track in which she took the lead was a high of the show. The poppy Christmas number brought the cast together for a little bit of fun and allowed the cast to show the humorous sides of their characters. The song itself I can promise you will be humming along to days after you leave the theatre.
Phil Corbitt (John) I felt really encompassed the loving and gentle man that John was in his performance. His love for Annie was evident in the performance of himself and Sue, their chemistry was undeniable and truly and I loved every second of their emotional performances.
My favourite songs of the musical were ensemble pieces Yorkshire and Who wants a silent night? They were a powerful and entertaining community and it made for truly enjoyable viewing throughout. From laughing to crying with the emotional ballad Scarborough, that brings with it the realisation that loss is fast approaching, to empowering anthems such as Dare, highlighting the brave nature of what these women were doing in the face of adversity. Finally, ‘Protect me Less’ was a relatable, funny number, everyone has had this experience of ‘do as I say not as I do’ with their parents. Danny and Isabella are hilarious in their roles of teenagers in the throes of hormone swings trying to figure out life.
Overall, Calendar Girls is a fantastically funny, bright and emotional roller-coaster of a musical and the cast behind it are amazing at bringing life to the roles. I would highly recommend it as a must see.
Calendar Girls: The Musical is running until Saturday 25th May 2019 at the Grand Opera House. Find more information and tickets for their UK tour here.
By Beth Buchanan