Calendar Girls - The Musical
Photo: Will Green Photography
Review by Martine Silkstone.
I am going to write a full review of this show, sharing my experience and thoughts on the whole production, but first - in case you don’t read to the end for any reason - let me just say: BUY TICKETS NOW! Because this show is something special.
I can’t remember the last time I felt so emotionally invested in a performance, moving from laughter to the brink of tears - and everything in between - as the tale of Knapely WI’s innovative fundraising effort unfolds.
For those who don’t know the history…
‘Calendar Girls’ is based on the true story of a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire WI group. After the death of a much-loved husband, they decide to create a nude calendar to raise money for the local hospital. They have to battle local outrage and overcome their own insecurities to bare all, but through that endeavour, each of them unexpectedly begins to bloom.
Now, that is a lot to convey in a couple of hours! And it relies so much on the audience connecting with all the individual characters, their lives and their motivations.
Which means, of course, you need a cast with a huge amount of talent. And boy, do we have one here.
I couldn’t pick a stand out because they are all amazing - acting, singing and playing instruments in true New Wolsey style. But I will say that Neil Moors as John really sets the scene from the beginning, with his fabulous voice and warm, powerful stage presence, while Christina Meehan as his wife, Annie, truly provides the heart that anchors everything.
And the three young performers are a wonderful addition, with their youthful energy and teenage angst adding another layer to proceedings.
Throw in the beauty queen best friend, the former air hostess who has had a little work done, the single mother who is also a vicar’s daughter, the retired former teacher, the repressed vodka lover, a couple of husbands and an uptight chairman - and there really is something for everyone.
Photo: Will Green Photography
But actually, more than that, as a whole company they have created something ‘real’ - which is the elusive magic that theatre is always trying to achieve.
Within the first hour, the have gently nurtured our affection for each and every character, so when they are ultimately faced with tragedy, the moment elicits such a depth of empathetic emotion that you are crying with them. I don’t think that has ever happened to me before and I recently saw ‘Shadowlands’ on stage!
And the music! Great songs and, most importantly, beautiful lyrics. I have never done it before, but I even wrote down a few lines that I thought would capture the heart of the show…
“Rise like a sunflower looking for the light.”
“Spread your wings and trust the air.”
“Never do what age expects of you.” (Words I, personally, live by.)
Photo: Will Green Photography
As a woman, I found it rather empowering actually, but everyone who sees it will undoubtedly leave with a spring in their step.
Am I waffling? If so, I apologise. But I have been a reviewer for more than a decade, and I simply don’t know how to convey the exquisite balance of humour, melody, beauty and warmth in this production. In fact, I loved it so much that I’m not even going to mention the rather odd backdrop.
Well done to director Paul Robinson and the whole creative and production team.
This is a wonderful, heartwarming show that represents all that is friendship, humanity, community and love.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again - buy tickets. You will thank me.
No, you’re crying.
Calendar Girls The Musical is at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich until 26 September 2026.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE