WHEN I describe the Norbury Players’ performance of Calendar Girls The Musical as a roller-coaster of emotions, I am talking of ‘Nemesis’ and ‘The Big One’ proportions.
But first, it’s based on a true story, featuring women from a West Yorkshire WI who created a nude calendar to raise funds following the death from cancer of one of the lady’s husbands.
The film, which starred Helen Mirren, was adapted to a musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth.
I was ready for feelgood Friday evening and not to be blown away by such captivating and absorbing performances by the whole cast.
From the light-hearted rendition ‘So I’ve had a little work done’ frivolously performed by Mary Steele (Celia) to the troubled ‘My Russian Friend’ by Vicky Maloney (Ruth) the show was a flip-flop of feelings – all gratefully received by the audience.
For me what stood out was the relationship between Annie and Chris (Jacque Cook and Britt Needham).
Annie, John’s widow, brought a lump to my throat as she sang ‘Kilamajaro (not in Wales!) with power and heartfelt eloquence.
Thank goodness for Chris, her friend who provided hilarious relief including entering a shop bought cake – a WI no-no – into a competition.
Jo Hargreaves expertly portrayed the dichotomy of single mum and vicar’s daughter Cora, and Kate Goode, the retired teacher Jessie, who warmed everyone’s heart as she showed she was not as old as the candles on her cake, completed the girl gang.
It is a hats off (not the Full Monty) to these courageous performers who did pose nude, strategically covered by currant buns and jam spoons, on stage, in front of the audience.
The male performers also need a shout out as they provided a solid backdrop for these flowers of Yorkshire to bloom from.
Younger members of the Norbury Players are ones to watch out for – especially Connor Hassan whose facial expressions alone were hilarious.
Calendar Girls promotes body positivity and is empowering to women.
And this production successfully did this and the standing ovation said it all. No wonder it sold out.
