Calendar Girls

Tim Firth's play, adapted from the film, tells the story of the WI Knapley Branch created the famous 'naked calendar' to raise money for a local hospital in memory of one of their husbands. It is essentially a feel good story with some bite and pathos that can really touch an audience. What they meant to be a small issue to raise money for a new sofa ended up as a worldwide news story with hundres of thousands of pounds raised.

Needless to say, there is a lot of laughter on the journey and this production at The Mill, manages to find the humour as well as sadness. The central relationship between Chris (Rachel Fielding) and Annie(Natalie Ogle) comes over as natural and credible and the ladies of the WI give warm and sympathetic characterisations. Sally Hughes direction create good pace with plenty of variety as the mood of the group changes from joy to heartbreak to confusion and anger.  A clever and effective set, including subtle but effective indications of time, helps create a show that is easy to watch and enjoy,

Of course, any review of a show at The Mill should be a review of the whole experience as it all comes in the ticket price. This is truly 'an outing', a beautiful building in a stunning location with an excellent meal included served by helpful and friendly staff. 

This is a fun show and provided an excellently entertaining night out ... thank you The Mill.