Calendar Girls

The story of Calendar Girls is a winning formula: a group of middle-aged women overcoming the odds and going starkers for a charity calendar. 

The true story that inspired the 2003 film by British screenwriter Tim Firth has been smoothly adapted by the author for the stage, and is once again making audiences chuckle, weep and connect with its colourful characters, poignant storyline and caustic repartee.

It revolves around a troupe of merry tipplers of the Dales, who are united in their dislike of the uppity Women’s Institute (WI) rules, and stoically determined to rally around their friend Annie when her husband dies of cancer. Inspired by a note from dear departed John, they come up with the idea of creating a nude calendar to raise funds for a new settee for the local hospital waiting room. Unexpectedly, the calendar becomes a huge success. 

This production of Calendar Girls is the second play local theatre company Shoebox has delivered (the first being Sylvia in 2016), and its producers – Mary Quade, Simon Duncan and Helen Richards – along with well-credentialed director/designer Terry Brady, are to be commended for providing something entirely different to highlight Toowoomba’s local talent. 

Speaking of talent, the cast was superb.

Led by stage stalwarts Vicki Bravery (Chris), Mary Quade (Celia) and Nerida Fraser (Annie), the performers executed the play beautifully. 

These three, along with fellow calendar girls Melanie Martin (Ruth), Kylie Lee (Cora) and Allana Noyes (Jesse), sparkled to life, rich Yorkshire accents and all, and immediately transported us to 1990s northern Britain.

Special mention goes to Bravery, whose energy, excellent enunciation, comedic timing, incomparable accent and all-round professionalism anchored the show. Close behind was Quade, who effortlessly portrayed the reformed rebel, golf-weary and good-hearted Celia. Noyes as a retired teacher was both mischievous and cynical; insisting before the photo sessions: “No front bottoms”. Martin was a vulnerable, delightful people-pleaser, and Fraser and Lee embodied their characters well, receiving both giggles and tears with their good delivery.

A well-drilled ensemble rounded out the cast of 14 and all members are worthy of mention, but extra kudos goes to Russell Reynolds, whose warm, likeable portrayal of John was endearingly touching, and Nadine Reynolds was outstanding in her stage debut as the snobbish Marie. 

Set design and props were simple and effective, with little disruption occurring during the performance. The nude photoshoot was achieved through clever direction and the accompanying WI staples: tea cups, floral arrangements, cream buns and marmalade-yielding oranges artfully placed over the women’s naughty bits. The cast was admirably confident stripping on stage and achieved their perfect “shot” with the help of nervous photographer Lawrence (Mitch Humphrys), without subjecting the audience to an unexpected eyeful. “Nude is not the same as naked.” Tastefully done, ladies!

The many and varied costumes, including sumptuous satin kimonos, fluffy dressing gowns, cheeky Santa dresses, “Marks and Sparks” casualwear and stylish LBDs, were well coordinated by Helen Richards and her costume team.

Overall, Shoebox Theatre Company’s production of Calendar Girls was hugely entertaining and well worth venturing out in Toowoomba’s frosty night air to see.

Madeleine Tiller