Village WI ladies take it all off in Calendar Girls
Over a three-night run, the company tackled the funny but poignant tale of WI member Annie, who has lost her husband John to leukaemia.
At the suggestion of Annie's irreverent best friend Chris, the WI ladies agree to pose for a nude calendar to fund a new settee for the local hospital's waiting room.
Ruth (Mary Anne Gleeson) with Elaine (Chloe Hughes) (Image: Supplied) But when news gets out about the 'alternative' calendar, and the world's media descends upon the sleepy Yorkshire Dales, even the most solid of friendships get tested to their limits…
Based on a true story, this heartwarming production is a remarkable testament to courage, compassion and creativity – values the ladies of BAMADS showcased in abundance!
In the lead role of Chris, BAMADS veteran Leigh Nash has the experience needed to carry such a nuanced performance.
Marie (Julie Lord) with Chris (Leigh Nash) (Image: Supplied) With her mantra of "nude not naked", it is totally believable that Nash convinces everyone to disrobe – including the most reluctant of models, Ruth, played by the effervescent Mary Anne Gleeson.
Hannah Smith breaks hearts as devastated widow Annie.
Smith's grief feels palpable, but she also communicates Annie's steely determination to act in her late husband's best interests.
Cora (Amy Gladwin) with Jessie (Pauline Carr) and Ruth (Mary Anne Gleeson) (Image: Supplied) Due to unforeseen circumstances, BAMADS Chairperson Bianca Tranter stepped in to play free-spirited musician Cora on the opening night – nailing the role with just a few weeks' preparation.
(For all remaining performances, Amy Gladwin played Cora.)
Julie Ratcliffe is a suitably sexy Celia, who needs little encouragement to get her kit off!
But full marks go to BAMADS newcomer Pauline Carr who, at 67, jumped into amateur dramatics at the deep end – going topless in her first ever show!
Annie (Hannah Smith) with Celia (Julie Ratcliffe) and Jessie (Pauline Carr) (Image: Supplied) In such a female-centric play, it is even more remarkable that Bryan Lynch is so impactful whenever he is on stage – giving us a lovable and relatable John that you cry real tears for.
Lynch may only appear briefly, but his memorable performance is anything but amateur – conveying real depths of emotion with the slightest look or gesture.
Having now made his BAMADS debut, Lynch is definitely 'one to watch'.
Plaudits also go to Julie Lord, who is magnificent as bossy and belligerent WI leader Marie.
Her pronunciation of "Ches-higher" is something to behold, while her one-sided badminton match with Ruth is one of many highlights.
Janette Pye as both Lady Cravenshire and Brenda Hulse, Herb Moore as Rod, Simon Burgess as Lawrence and Arran Abbey as Liam are a talented supporting cast.
But Chloe Hughes as Elaine retains a special spot in this reviewer's heart – being one of the most gifted character actors the company has at its disposal.
Mayor of Warrington Cllr Mo Hussain attended the opening night performance of Calendar Girls (Image: Supplied) Assisted by Jayne Harnick, Rebekah Denton is to be congratulated on her directorial debut – enhancing many scenes with clever visual choices (most notably John's passing/funeral and the arrival of the Calendar Girls' fan mail, fluttering from the ceiling).
A talented actress in her own right, Denton supports each cast member to shine – especially during the nude scenes, which are so tastefully managed, with each 'reveal' feeling like a truly empowering moment.
Izzy Nash's sound and video choices elevate the production further – including the hyper-realistic paparazzi photo flashes and 'breaking news' segments.
Delivering a show like this in 30-plus-degree heat is not for the faint-hearted – especially when wrapped in blankets, dressing gowns and even Santa costumes!
But the cast powered through with their usual mix of professionalism and good humour – taking the laughs right to the curtain with some surprise nude portraits at the very end by Izzy Nash.
Next up for BAMADS is 'The Sound of Music', running from 26 to 29 November.
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