REVIEW: Calendar Girls the Musical at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Cheltenham

It was wonderful to be back at The Everyman and to see such an iconic show, this time with music written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Beautifully set with a sunflower curtain as you enter the auditorium which you cannot help but smile at - some of the audience were dressed in sunflower attire showing their support or involvement with the story.  I was not sure how it was going to be, knowing the film and play versions, but I love a musical so why not...

 

 

After a couple of songs where the cast and audience warmed up I could see this was going to be a different version and each character came alive in such believable ways. There were tunes cleverly carried throughout the show as the inevitable story continues in a moving way, with chuckles and belly laughs thrown in as we saw relationships and sometimes mayhem develop - yes Jerusalem, jam, tea, cakes and "buns" are all given a slot. Many famous faces are in this cast and they all played their role with conviction and humour or pathos accordingly, including the ensemble/stage crew/understudies with simple but clever set changes.  In particular, Tanya Franks as Annie and Lyn Paul as Jessie stood out for me.
Of course all the leads had to strip at some point ~ Well Done to each of them, in front of a live audience who applauded with respect and pride after each one, as if contributing to 'the calendar' whilst we watched. Some underwear was on show (on purpose or otherwise) but all the props did their job, creating wonderful tableaus of these brave women with such great facial expressions.

Many laughs and a few tears were shed which to me means a wonderful night out! On til Saturday.

 

 

Review by Tracy.

 

 

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