Calendar Girls, Bursledon Players, Bursledon Village Hall (From Daily Echo)

Calendar Girls, Bursledon Players, Bursledon Village Hall

11:58am Monday 26th November 2012 in Curtain Call By Anne Waggott

A GROUP of women from a Yorkshire WI bare all (almost!) for charity, becoming international celebrities as a result, as they look for a new way to raise money by giving their annual WI calendar a “glamorous”

twist, in this humorous yet touching tale of love, life and loss.

Despite a tentative start and some opening night nerves, this was highly entertaining. The six women all had their moments to shine, particularly Julie Piper (feisty, Chris), Gemma Mabley (golfing WAG Celia), Lyn Cussons (timidly tenacious Ruth) and Janet Harrington (wicked ex-teacher Jessie). Richard Calver gave excellent support in dual roles as the nervous photographer/porter and pompous TV director. The calendar shoot was the highlight of the evening, with the cast dealing brilliantly with everything thrown their way, scripted and otherwise!

The set blended well to the village hall’s décor, and great sound and props combined to enhance the spirited, believable performances.