November 2, 2010
Tim Firth’s gutsy and heart-warming comedy is based on the inspiring true story of a group of ordinary WI women who did something very brave in the name of charity. A charming embrace of the stereotypical aspects of the WI – jam making, knitting and Victoria sponge rivalry all take centre stage – Calendar Girls sets these frivolities against an earnest exploration of some of life’s most poignant moments.
The play does not shy away from tackling the most controversial aspects of womanhood; underpinning the non-stop girly banter is a bold confrontation of infidelity, body image and loss in all its forms. This very British story suggests that the recipe for survival is a combination of resilience, friendship and laughter. Despite the play’s overtly emotional theme, Calendar Girls is saved from sentimentality by a script that is brimming with teasing banter and packed with punchy one-liners.
Although the laughs come thick and fast from the offset – the curtains open to reveal a humourous WI interpretation of Tai Chi – the comedy really starts to gather pace as the ladies begin to shed their clothes. The brilliantly choreographed photoshoot is a delight, and the first act ends with an exhilarating crescendo. The photographing of Miss January is a particular treat and the fast-paced humour renders the infamous stripping-off scene inspiring and touching without being trite.
Although Ruth Madoc is in occasional danger of overacting, the cast is universally strong. Owing to a seemingly natural chemistry between the actors, the relationships between the women are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. Lynda Bellingham leads the cast and triumphs as Chris, a spirited woman who can’t knit, buys her Victoria sponges from Marks and Spencer and is not entirely unlike Bellingham’s television persona on Loose Women. Gutsy performances by June Watson (Miss January) and Michelle Collins (Miss July) are particularly compelling. One of only a handful of male cast members, Colin Tarrant, who plays cancer-sufferer John, also deserves special mention for his subtle handling of the role.
On opening night at Oxford’s New Theatre, the performance felt as liberating for the cast as it was for the on-lookers. The women on stage undoubtedly had the full support of the audience, who roared with delight at every gender stereotype-busting speech or discarded bra. This is a very British show that comes from the heart and invites the audience along for the ride. With an excellent cast, likeable, well-constructed characters and a perfectly-balanced blend of sorrow and laughter, Calendar Girls can’t fail to delight.
The play does not shy away from tackling the most controversial aspects of womanhood; underpinning the non-stop girly banter is a bold confrontation of infidelity, body image and loss in all its forms. This very British story suggests that the recipe for survival is a combination of resilience, friendship and laughter. Despite the play’s overtly emotional theme, Calendar Girls is saved from sentimentality by a script that is brimming with teasing banter and packed with punchy one-liners.
Although the laughs come thick and fast from the offset – the curtains open to reveal a humourous WI interpretation of Tai Chi – the comedy really starts to gather pace as the ladies begin to shed their clothes. The brilliantly choreographed photoshoot is a delight, and the first act ends with an exhilarating crescendo. The photographing of Miss January is a particular treat and the fast-paced humour renders the infamous stripping-off scene inspiring and touching without being trite.
Although Ruth Madoc is in occasional danger of overacting, the cast is universally strong. Owing to a seemingly natural chemistry between the actors, the relationships between the women are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. Lynda Bellingham leads the cast and triumphs as Chris, a spirited woman who can’t knit, buys her Victoria sponges from Marks and Spencer and is not entirely unlike Bellingham’s television persona on Loose Women. Gutsy performances by June Watson (Miss January) and Michelle Collins (Miss July) are particularly compelling. One of only a handful of male cast members, Colin Tarrant, who plays cancer-sufferer John, also deserves special mention for his subtle handling of the role.
On opening night at Oxford’s New Theatre, the performance felt as liberating for the cast as it was for the on-lookers. The women on stage undoubtedly had the full support of the audience, who roared with delight at every gender stereotype-busting speech or discarded bra. This is a very British show that comes from the heart and invites the audience along for the ride. With an excellent cast, likeable, well-constructed characters and a perfectly-balanced blend of sorrow and laughter, Calendar Girls can’t fail to delight.