Calendar Girls

The story of an unlikely group of Yorkshire women who pose nude for a calendar in an effort to raise money for cancer research challenges many conventional notions about nudity and decorum. This heart-warming story is big on sentimentality and tempered with tasteful and good-natured humour.

The Melbourne production features an outstanding cast whose performances reflect enormous collective talent and experience: Jenny Seedsman (Chris), Abi Richardson (Annie), Tottie Goldsmith (Celia), Lulu McClatchy (Ruth), Kate Gorman (Cora), Francesca Waters (Jessie), Fiona Stewart (Brenda/ Mrs Cravenshire), Lise Rodgers (Marie), John Voce (John), Syd Brisbane (Rod), Johnathan Peck (Lawrence), Vincent Hooper (Liam) and Jennifer Sarah Dean (Elaine). Each actor inhabits their part perfectly. The characterisations and comic timing are all strong and often impeccable, and the show frequently highlights the strength of ensemble casts.

Sentimentality is given greater emphasis than the comedy and this results in some lost opportunities for the wry humour inherent in the story. The quality of the performances also warrants a higher standard of staging and set design. The action was limited to a small section of the stage and the set design and construction would have benefited from a more imaginative approach. Nonetheless, this show is a great opportunity to be reminded of the importance of supporting cancer research and to enjoy and celebrate some of our finest local talent.

Patricia Di Risio