Calendar Girls, The Mill At Sonning Review
Debbie Arnold and Rachel Fielding in Calendar Girls. Photo by Andreas LambisWritten by Eleanor for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Calendar Girls is a touching and comedic true story about a group of women from Yorkshire who raise money for their local hospital by producing a nude calendar. This iteration of the story is written by Tim Firth (the screenwriter of the popular 2003 film), directed by Sally Hughes and is currently performing at the idyllic Mill at Sonning in Berkshire. Although there were a few elements of the production which could have been strengthened, I found Calendar Girls to be a feel-good and charming interpretation with all the warmth and humour I had hoped for.
The play follows a group of Women’s Institute ladies from Napley in Yorkshire. After the death of her husband, Annie (Natalie Ogle) and her best friend Chris (Rachel Fielding) decide to raise money to buy a new sofa for the relatives’ room in their local hospital to help other families affected by cancer. Following the poor proceeds from their previous calendar, they are determined to do something different. With the help of photographer Lawrence (Oscar Cleaver), they gather their friends together to produce a nude calendar. But as their popularity and tensions grow, the group must stay strong and focus on what is really important.
I haven't seen other stage versions of this story to offer comparisons, but I thoroughly enjoyed the production of Calendar Girls. The set design by Terry Parsons was limited to just a few sets, yet I found these to be highly enjoyable. The production team managed to change swiftly between the two main locations - clearly distinguishing between the Dales and the village hall (though I did find it a little jarring when I could see production headsets on stage). It may have been beneficial to include a hospital scene featuring the sofa referenced in the story. This could have clarified this element further for anyone not already familiar with the story. Matthew Biss’ lighting design was also good. I really enjoyed how the months of the year, which were included in the top part of the set, were individually spotlighted as time passed. The transitions between scenes could have been a bit sharper, but since I attended the performance on opening night, I am confident that these details will improve as the run progresses. Similarly, there was an entertaining segment that featured the Pink Panther theme; however, I found the music to be slightly too loud and prolonged.
Oscar Cleaver and cast of Calendar Girls. Photo by Andreas Lambis.Some of my favourite moments in Calendar Girls involved the creative use of additional props and costumes. One particularly emotional scene was when the women read letters from others affected by cancer; a poignant moment which was cleverly introduced. The badminton match between Ruth (Ciara Janson) and Marie (Elizabeth Elvin) was another highlight, effectively showcasing the dynamic between them. Of course there is arguably the most important scene in the show: the moment when the girls pose for the photographs in the nude. This is cleverly done on stage and, even though I knew what was coming, it was an incredibly fun scene. I must also admit that I enjoyed the moments and lines which I recognised from the film, such as the infamous Victoria sponge and the concluding scene of tai chi on the Dales.
Calendar Girls features strong and heartfelt performances from the entirety of its ensemble cast. Natalie Ogle as Annie and Rachel Fielding as Chris are brilliant leading ladies who bring the perfect mix of emotion and humour to the roles. Ogle in particular really pulled on my heartstrings throughout the show. I also enjoyed Sarah Whitlock as Jessie and Debbie Arnold as Cora. The whole group captured the spirit of a close-knit group of friends, adding to the show’s overall charm and warmth, and their performances really seemed to resonate with the audience.
Calendar Girls at the Mill at Sonning is a charming play. This production is a heartwarming portrayal of friendship and community, with fun and engaging performances, leaving me thoroughly entertained.
Calendar Girls is playing at The Mill at Sonning from 11th April 2024 – 1st June 2024.
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