Calendar Girls 21-23 September 2023
“Calendar Girls” is being performed by amateur group Collaborative Productions at Rangeworthy Village Hall from 21 to 23 September, a charity event raising funds for BUST and Blood Cancer UK.
“Calendar Girls” is based on an inspiring true story of a group of friends from a Yorkshire WI who do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! The WI ladies joined forces to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research when one of their husbands died of a form of blood cancer, wherein lies our link to Blood Cancer UK, and similarly the local breast cancer charity BUST.
When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital relatives’ room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose for an “alternative” calendar with a difference, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. Overcoming their initial reserve the friends drop their dressing gowns, their modesty spared only by cleverly placed cakes, knitting, flower arrangements, etc. Riding the wrath of the WI, they spark a global phenomenon as news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press descend on the village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a huge success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame. Calendar Girls is a funny, charming and touching tribute to the fundraising efforts of a group of extraordinary women. It is a story of love and friendship, and a celebration of what can be achieved when human beings come together with a common goal.
Suitable for those 16 or over, there are three evening performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm. Adults £12 and £10 (concessions), also group bookings of 10+ get one free ticket. Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/collaborative-productions or ring TicketSource phone line 0333 666 3366 (for additional £2 fee plus regular 7% booking fee). Walk-in cash bookings also available at the Rose & Crown in Rangeworthy.
If you would like to support these two charities by seeing this wonderful play, make sure you secure your ticket early as it is undoubtedly going to be popular.