The curtain rises on a production that will leave you beaming with pride – not just for its talented cast, but for the women who have taken centrestage to tell their story. Calendar Girls: The Musical is an unmissable treat, blending laugh-out-loud humour with poignant heart and tackling life's big themes head-on.
At the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, this show has audiences entranced, with critics praising its authentic portrayal of everyday British life. We're talking supermarket queues, WI meetings, and all the mundane moments that make us who we are – but with a twist: these ordinary women turn out to be anything but. With wit and warmth, they expose the hidden strength and resilience of their community, challenging every stereotype along the way.
Paul Robinson's direction is inspired in this in-the-round staging, where performers and audience become one big happy family – literally! The immersive design draws you in, making you feel like part of the gang, as these women navigate grief, love, and laughter together. And just when you think it can't get any more emotional, the big finale arrives – with a twist that will leave you cheering and clapping along.
The show's handling of its most 'sensitive' moment – a rather racy charity calendar – is nothing short of genius. The audience on all sides? No problem! With a bit of wit, some clever staging, and an unapologetic dose of body positivity, this potentially tricky scene becomes a triumph of humanity over modesty.
The cast has won rave reviews for their heart-stopping performances – particularly Karen Holmes and Christina Meehan as the dynamic duo Chris and Annie. Their portrayal of two women who've got each other's backs (and more) is both hilarious and heartfelt, capturing the essence of this truly special musical. Don't miss it! The show will tour until 31 October, with staging formats varying from theatre to theatre – so get your tickets now!
The touring schedule takes in Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre among others, including Keswick's Theatre by the Lake and Bolton Octagon, where this innovative 'in-the-round' staging is sure to create an unforgettable experience. Mark those calendars (pun intended!) for a night out with friends or family that you'll be talking about long after the curtain falls.