Calendar Girls

Adapted by Tim Firth from his movie of the same name, Calendar Girls is an insight into the lives of people dealing with Leukaemia and Fran Legge’s production presented the audience with a light-hearted yet thought-provoking experience.

The strong cast included Celia, Jamie Whittingham; Chris, Di Ennew; Annie, Vicky King; Ruth, Veronica Lovejoy; Cora, Lee Millward and Jessie, Diana Mason, as the staunch members of the Women’s Institute under the strict guidance of the President Melanie Doriean. The supporting cast with their cameo performances added to the quality of the production.

Special mention must be made of the piano playing: mimed onstage by Cora and played offstage by Ballina stalwart and resident pianist Marie Caldwell.

The costumes (when not removed for hiding behind jam jars, cup cakes or floral arrangements) were suited to the period.

The set was well conceived and constructed, making the several scene changes streamlined and not a distraction (as can sometimes happen in community theatre).

Ballina Players know exactly what their audiences want when it comes to entertainment, which is reflected by audience numbers. Once again, congratulations on another enjoyable production.

Roger McKenzie