True-life tale laid bare in sell-out production
THE demand for local bakers to produce bigger buns continues as Calendar Girls steams into Louth's Riverhead Theatre.
This avalanche of amateur productions exposes the appeal of this highly inspiring true story; under Maureen Lill's direction, Louth Playgoers celebrated a sell-out even before opening night.
Of course, exposure of a different kind is at the crux of this story, a risqué calendar produced by the most unlikely of all people – the members of a Women's Institute branch.
The adventurous project to raise money in memory of one of their member's husbands is about being "naked and not nude", as one of the characters constantly reminds us.
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However, this is also a story about the willingness to contemplate the unimaginable and reject insecurities in the name of friendship.
Vicki Head, Helen Appleton, Babs Graham, Viv Bateman, Cheryl Taylor and Christine Vickers are our Calendar Girls and together with Pamela Whalley as their WI chairman, they draw us into this remarkable story.
They present us with an absorbing array of characters, successfully portraying diverse personalities while ensuring a rainbow of emotions bubble beneath the surface; we are with them all the way.
A mastery of split second timing combined with superb choreography allows the infamous photo-shoot to be staged with panache and an abundance of humour.
Indeed, this play is not short of laughs but there are many moments of poignancy and some well considered direction allow these to be conveyed with great power and symbolism.
The performance I attended included members of the Womens' Institute among the audience and I overhead comments such as "so true to life" and "that's typical".
High praise for this production from those who should know and, unless you already have your ticket, you'll have to take their word for how good it is.
Trevor Ekins
The production runs until September 12 but is sold out. Call the box office on 01507 600350 for any returns.
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