Originally published by L.S. Media. September 28th 2010.

Cast: Denise Black, Elaine C. Smith, Julia Hills, Rachel Lumberg, Anna Charlston, Jennifer Ellison, Susan Bovell, Joe McGann, Bruno McGregor, Bruno Langley, Mikyla Dodd.

Surely there is no better way to get some of the leading ladies of British theatre and television on one stage that by bringing the celebrated Calendar Girls to the Liverpool Empire.

Based on a real life story, Calendar Girls tells the tale of a group of Women’s Institute members attempt to create a piece of work that will raise much needed funds for a hospital sofa, the same hospital in which one of the member’s husbands had been treated for Leukaemia.

Brought to life by the wonderful writing talents of Tim Firth and direction of Roger Haines, the cast of ladies who make up the unlikely sex sirens are treated to some of the best lines available in current modern theatre.

All the actors in this play must be applauded for their brave approach to portraying the ladies who stripped, for no matter whether you are young or old, the idea of baring any flesh in front of a sold out audience would be daunting and potentially embarrassing. The beauty of having some of the stalwarts of British theatre performing these parts is that it will be done with the barest threat to the dignity of the play.

Denise Black in particular as the fun loving single mother Cora held her nerve impeccably as the robe she was wearing at the piano descended further than was possibly envisaged.

This is not a play just about the woman in the W.I. but also about the men that inspired them to go more daring, in particular Joe McGann who had shaved his hair off to portray the character of leukaemia sufferer John. This was an excellent and sensitive performance by one of the gentleman of theatre.

Calendar Girls is one of those pieces of theatre which will creep up alongside you, hold you close and before you know it, you are engrossed with the storyline and feeling moment of pain and joy. Touchingly sentimental with the right amount of laughter to get the audience through the sad moments, Calendar Girls deserves the respect and goodwill that it has generated since its inception and the money it has raised to help combat cancer is nothing short of remarkable.

Ian D. Hall