CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 30 Apr
It was over 20 years ago when the story of a Yorkshire branch of the WI producing a nude calendar to raise money first hit the headlines. Since then it’s been turned in to a hugely popular film and a not so popular stage play, but now thanks to Tim Firth and Gary Barlow it has a new lease of life as a musical.
I’ve not seen the film, and my knowledge of the actual story started and ended with the calendar, but as a long time Take That fan, I did go into the theatre thinking if Barlow is involved then it can’t be bad. And I wasn’t wrong. But Calendar Girls is about so much more than the end result of the calendar. It’s a beautiful portrayal of life, love, loss and friendship. It’s also a strong statement about the power of women and how when faced with adversity they can achieve great things. Not to mention how it bravely challenges so many conventions that women face daily, such as body confidence and ageism.
The cast includes Lisa Maxwell, Sue Devaney, Rebecca Storm, Lesley Joseph and Judy Holt, who along with amazing vocal skills and expert comedic timing look as though they have a true bond, making their characters both believable and relatable. Despite the big names, this really is an ensemble piece, each cast member bringing their own energy to the performance. The younger cast members also deserve a special mention: the banter between Danny Howker and Tyler Dobbs characters brought about some real laugh-out-loud moments, while Isabel Casewell’s portrayal of an off-the-rails teen in a small sleepy village hit the nail on the head.
The first half of the show did feel slightly too long, but that was forgiven when the second half kicked off with vigour, joy and hilarity. Whilst the score doesn’t benefit from being very well known – yet – its tunes do provide that earworm factor (I can’t get Who Wants A Silent Night out of my head). The lyrics tell the story better than any plain dialogue ever could, notably Annie’s (played by Sarah Jane Buckley) rendition of Kilimanjaro which highlighted the emotion of losing your other half. Lisa Maxwell as Celia and her execution of So I’ve Had A Little Work Done – all about her pride at the cosmetic enhancements she’s had – was as hilarious as Kilimanjaro was sad.
It may not be the most glamorous musical in its genre, but Calendar Girls is a true celebration of British life and deep-rooted friendships. It’s fun, it has a wonderful cast and you’ll leave the theatre feeling upbeat and inspired. Make a date with the girls and immerse yourself in this beautifully told story.
words RACHAEL PHILLIPS photos JOHN SWANNELL