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Calendar Girls The Musical

 
Paul T. Davies Review by Paul T. Davies 4 Published: 23 Jul 2025 Frinton Summer Theatre Show Dates: 22 Jul 2025-26 Aug 2025

It’s that special time of year when the UK’s oldest professional summer repertory theatre stages weekly productions in Frinton-on-Sea, a jewel on the Essex coast. Steeped in tradition, and marking the debuts of many now-major actors, the company has chosen the perfect production to celebrate all things British.

This is no shop-bought Victoria sponge, but a production baked in the themes of friendship, love and good old British character

The now-famous tale of a group of Yorkshire WI members taking their clothes off for a charity calendar to raise money for the local cancer visitors’ centre has evolved into Calendar Girls The Musical, created by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Staged in the McGrigor Hall – home to the Frinton WI – and with music played live on piano by the wonderful musical director Neil Somerville, there is already a delightfully charged atmosphere as the show begins.

And what a crowd-pleaser. One thing that impressed me is that the poignancy, and the horrendous effects of cancer, are not skimmed over for the sake of light entertainment. This is a confection with bite, and it’s served up by a very good ensemble with excellent leads. Shona White, as Chris – the naughty, rule-breaking WI member who gets the idea for the calendar – is perfect; many of her lines get cheers, and she is a smashing singer. As her grieving, sensible, more down-to-earth best friend Annie, Claire Carrie is a superb foil to Chris. Their friendship is totally believable.

For me, Tracy Collier, as the “older” member of the troupe, stole the show, capturing perfectly the retired teacher whose put-downs, gruffness and jokes hit every mark. All of the women get a wonderful turn in the spotlight, especially in the beautiful, tasteful and heart-lifting calendar shoot scene For One Night Only, but it would be remiss of me not to mention Chris Garner’s quietly strong performance as John – the husband of Annie – whose death leads to the positive outcomes of the money raised.

It’s not quite perfect: head mics would have made some of the lyrics clearer, the music occasionally overwhelms the vocals, a couple of cast members tended to swallow their words, and the pushing on and pulling off of the sofa was a bit distracting. However, Emily Raymond’s excellent direction leads to a triumphant production.

This is no shop-bought Victoria sponge, but a production baked in the themes of friendship, love and good old British character.

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The Blurb:

A bold, brilliant, and laugh-out-loud celebration of friendship, fun, and fearless women doing something extraordinary. With catchy tunes, big heart, and plenty of cheeky charm, it’s the ultimate feel-good night out that will leave you grinning from ear to ear! Suitable for ages 12 and up.