30 January 2024 I 19:30 I Alhambra Theatre, Bradford I AD - PR Invite
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Calendar Girls sees the story of a Yorkshire Woman's Institute, comprised mostly of older ladies, who pose for a nude calendar to fundraise after the loss of member Annie's husband. As a 19 year old male, it might sound that I am not necessarily the target demographic for such a show, nor would it be the first on my list to book. However, I am very lucky to have received an invite from the fabulous Alhambra Theatre in Bradford to attend, finding myself pleasantly surprised by what Calendar Girls stands to represent. The importance of human connection and how insightful a different generation and gendered experiences can be, with lessons on friendship, love, loss, confidence and most of all resilience.
Being from the north of England, there is such a cosiness in both accents and general attitude, the heartiness of people supporting people. And I think this is where the show will find its audience perhaps more successfully, as we find that relatability. While I may find less in the narrative to personally connect with, it will impact and resonate with everyone differently, thus identifying with your own life experience.
Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the book is delightfully charming, finding wit and genuinity among the daily. The plot is very emotionally open, as it becomes inviting to empathise with characters, particularly Laurie Brett's Annie, who staggeringly pours her heart out with such rawness. Brett is a marvel in portraying both the sombre and uplifts of Calendar Girls, with the beautiful metaphor of the sunflowers rounding the message off in remembrance and truth. Quite early in the scripting, a joke regarding disability feels distasteful, disrupting the positive flow into humour made out of such. It is a poor choice to continue to stage this, though the remainder of the script is generous in kindliness.
Equally Barlow and Firth's music is gentle and light, really getting stuck in your head! Jordan Alexander as this evening's conductor is wonderfully introduced in an opening statement, leading the orchestra with lively spirit. My favourite number is Celia's So I've Had A Little Work Done, performed by Liz Carney, which bursts with energy as a feminine anthem for body confidence. I adore Carney's commitment to giving the role such drive, an infectious smile that promotes a habit of talking about the above.
Lyrically, songs including this and Yorkshire, for example, work incredibly with the harmonies from the cast. Though sometimes when the lyrics intend to reflect the mundane, they can be basic. I understand the importance of highlighting the everyday, but there has to be a balance with the theatrics of a musical at times, simply so that the words do not jar with the music.
Especially starring opposite Brett, Samantha Seager is wickedly euphoric as Chris, the soul of every party! On the surface she can appear brassy and full of pride, though breaking the barrier and seeing that vulnerability from Chris (equally Seager's vulnerability as an actress) is crucial. The cast is very well rounded with its diversity of personalities, a very transparent bond between the performers which makes the performances even stronger. Lyn Paul as Jessie is the oldest member of the group (aged 74), yet quite rightfully a master of the stage, proving that age really doesn't define your limits! The audience, for want of a better word, went WILD for her What Age Expects, no one does it better!
This musical is a huge success with the audience, most of all when the images for the calendar are taken, a rapturous round of applause takes over, and its a pleasure to see that supportive environment. I also really admire Gary McCann's monumental design, which aesthetically pairs very well with Nick Richings' lighting work in imitating emotional states.
Calendar Girls is a pleasant surprise as it tours the UK, rounding off in April. I wouldn't say that this show breaks the mould with innovation, but a safe script is staged with a talented cast and creative team, leading with emotion and heart. I could recommend Calendar Girls for absolutely anyone, guaranteeing a vivacious, candid and sincere evening. Full information, casting and tickets for the tour can be found here: https://www.kenwright.com/portfolio/calendar-girls-the-musical-2024/
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