Crescent Theatre. 29 November 2025
By Gary Barlow & Tim Firth.
Director: Stephen Duckham. Choreographer: Lauren Shirley. Musical Director: Callum Thompson.
This musical is based on the true story of a small group of WI members who made a nude calendar to raise money for the relatives’ room at the local hospital, after the husband of one of them died there. Selling 88,000 calendars in the first year alone, they’ve since raised over £6 million for blood cancer.
This is a lovely, moving story and I loved the film, so I went into this one with high hopes, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s equal parts heartwarming and amusing and I enjoyed every moment.
The cast is large and it’s always difficult to mention every member, but every single person involved in this production deserves recognition. It’s a very strong and well-chosen cast.
The sets were faultless, with rolling hills, farm gates, village halls and much more going on. Scene changes were accomplished almost invisibly with our attention drawn to the action elsewhere on the stage. Costumes were great.
Jo Smith put in a delightful performance as the strong, funny Chris. Nick Owenford was very moving as the dying John, while Michelle Worthington made a beautiful Annie. She was totally believable as the grieving wife. Jaz Davison was hilarious. She delivers lines with a deadpan brilliance. I also loved Sarah Morris as Celia, whose facial expressions were perfect. I thought Charlie Pugh as Danny, and Jessica Smith as Jenny were brilliant together. They bounced off each other really well. I also liked Emerson Clarke-Selby as the always comical Tommo.
It’s really difficult to comment on the singing as every single person was amazing. Their vocal performances were faultless. Gary Barlow’s songs were perfect and the choreography was an absolute fit. Danny and Jenny’s duet (with interjections from their mums) was just brilliant and had the audience roaring with laughter, while ‘Sunflower’ by Chris was just a delight.
When the ladies bared themselves for their photos, the whole audience roared its approval, with people jumping to their feet, cheering and shouting. The nudity was all very tastefully done, with never too much on display. The bravery of these ladies amazes me. (both the original ladies and this cast!)
Stephen Duckham’s direction was faultless. The whole thing was cohesive, clever and enjoyable.
When the cheering finally died down, I made my way to the lift, wiping my eyes. The lady and gentleman sharing with me were likewise trying to pull themselves together.
What a treat!
Thank you BMOS.
Reviewed by Lesley L
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