The Helderberg Academy of Theatre is set to warm hearts this month with the return of their acclaimed production of Calendar Girls, opening at the Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West on Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14 February).
The beloved British comedy, based on the true story of 11 Women’s Institute members who famously posed nude for a charity calendar to raise funds for leukaemia research, promises an evening of laughter, friendship and inspiration. The play follows the extraordinary women of a small Yorkshire village who defy societal expectations while demonstrating remarkable courage and community spirit.
At the heart of the story lies the friendship between Annie and Chris, who resolve to raise money for a new sittee in the waiting room of a local hospital following the death of Annie’s husband, John. Their unconventional fundraising approach – persuading four fellow Women’s Institute members to pose nude for an “alternative” calendar – captures the imagination of the press and catapults their small village into the national spotlight.
But their newfound fame tests the bonds of friendship and community.
Originally based on the Miramax film of the same name, Calendar Girls premiered at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2009 before becoming the fastest-selling play in British theatre history. Following its successful West End-transfer in 2010, the production continues to tour nationally.
The Somerset West production marks a triumphant return for the play, which previously enjoyed great success at the Playhouse in 2014. The production is helmed by directors Darryl Spijkers, known for his work on Scrooge, Curl Up and Dye and Fiddler on the Roof, alongside Jon-Paul Ruschenbaum, whose credits include Paradise Road and Happy Days Are Here Again. Zanodean Cassiem returns as set designer.
The stellar cast features Catherine Leah as Annie, the woman whose personal loss sparks the charitable venture, with Simon Jones portraying her late husband John. Playhouse director Gill Jones, recognised for her performances in Dracula and The Crucible, takes on the role of devoted Chris.
Completing the Women’s Institute ensemble are Playhouse regulars Gretel le Roux as the spirited Cora, alongside Margot Wood, Jasmine Hazi, Roche Buckle, Siobahn McCallister and Cath Goldie. Supporting performances from Zane Habig, William le Roux, Alistair Jones and Mark McCallister promise to drive the narrative forward with characteristic theatrical flair.
Book your seat through Webtickets for what promises to be a memorable celebration of community spirit and the power of ordinary people.
