The stage of The Regent becomes Knapely Community Hall in the latest show to hit the theatre this week.
Telling the true story of the famous 1999 alternative calendar from the ladies of Knapely WI, which raised over half a million pounds and was also turned into a 2003 film starring Helen Mirren amongst others.
Following the tragic loss of the husband of one of the WI members’ to Lukaemia, the ladies decide to produce a calendar with the modest aim to raise money for a more comfortable settee in the hospital waiting room. The calendar showed the ladies, aged 45-60 posing nude, but doing various traditional WI activities, playing the organ, baking, jam making and singing WI anthem, Jerusalem.
The WI members are played by Tanya Franks, Maureen Nolan, Lyn Paul, Amy Robbins, Paula Tappenden, Marti Webb and Honeysuckle Weeks who all do a fantastic job as their respective characters. The diverse natures of the WI ladies are shown and it plots their journey from the concept of an idea, the hesitance of what their family, friends and WI General Council will think and overcoming the issues of self perception and body positivity.
The chemistry of the cast is evident to see and really gets to grips with both the storyline as well as the essence of the ladies themselves and is a fitting homage to their extra-ordinary achievement.
The first act was a slow burner, setting the scene, introducing us to each character and the varying dynamics of the group, which shows the change face and members’ of the WI. It was a contrast of humour of the WI meetings, to the sombre setting of the hospital waiting room and eventual loss of a loved one. It did come to a crescendo at the end of the first half and set the pace for the rest of the second half.
Music was by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, from the show’s signature ‘Yorkshire’ to the upbeat and humorous ‘So I’ve Had A Little Work Done’. The set was simplistic but nevertheless fantastic, showing the village hall, complete with roof, which was transformed into a waiting room and the convention of the WI. The clever use of angles to give the extra perception of depth was really done well.
It is an uplifting tale of triumph over tragedy, what a diverse set of characters can accomplish together, overcoming stereotypes and breaking down personal barriers for the greater good. It’s funny and feel-good, with a tale to warm the heart.
Its on until Saturday 18th with matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets available here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/calendar-girls-the-musical/regent-theatre/
Photo credit Alex Harvey Brown
