Calendar Girls is a typically British, typically northern musical with a gorgeous soundtrack, moments of laugh-out-loud humour and a whole lot of heart that means you leave the theatre beaming from ear to ear.
Brought to life by Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s musical is based on the worldwide big-screen phenomenon of the same name. It charts the story of a group of ordinary ladies who did something extraordinary when Annie's husband dies from leukaemia.
Her fellow WI member - and best mate - Chris decides they need to create a calendar with a difference - a ‘nude’ calendar to raise money for the local hospital. They come up against a raft of opposition but, ultimately, support and perseverance pays off.
Before now, I’ve singled out Calendar Girls as the show that never quite got the run it deserved. Opening in Leeds and Salford in 2015, it moved to the West End in 2017 lasting just 6 months before it toured the UK with a raft of stars including Leslie Joseph, Denise Welch and Ruth Madoc.
It’s a heart-warming and hilarious story which, combined with Barlow’s music and lyrics, make the societies return to The Cornbow Hall one not to be missed.
Having never been to The Crescent Theatre before, I was pleasantly surprised! As soon as you enter the auditorium you’re cast into the Yorkshire Dales with a set which is visually beautiful. Simplistic yet functional, it provides a perfect backdrop to the performance.
However, what makes this production so special are the people on stage. A cast who are, quite simply, exceptional.
It sounds cliche, but I still find it astounding that the majority of them hold down a day job to pay the bills such is the calibre of the performances we saw this evening.
It feels callous to have favourites because Calendar Girls really is an ensemble piece. So much of the humour is derived from situation and delivery that everyone needs to bring a consistent a-game...and bring it they did.
Jo Smith gave a larger than life, vivacious and hilarious portrayal of Chris. Her interpretation of the role was exceptional and amongst the best I've seen. Her stage presence was commanding and you could honestly have told me she'd played the part for years in the capital and I wouldn't have batted an eyelid.
Alongside Michelle Worthington as Annie, who delivered a performance which was a perfect balance of emotional and raw coupled with quick-witted and brave. It was the natural chemistry of these two key ladies that made the show so special.
Jaz Davison deserves a mention too for her brilliant one liners as retired head mistress, Jessie. A role often overlooked, it suited Davison perfectly.
Sarah Russell and Sarah Morris gave brilliant performances as Cora and Celia respectively taking on some of the best songs in the show - and adding in some choreography too which is a first for me when it comes to Calendar Girls...but it works so well!
Special mention also needs to go to Charlie Pugh, Emerson Clarke-Selby and Jessica Smith who were 'the kids' of the show - Danny, Tommo and Jenny. Again - three roles which so often get no praise but which this trio absolutely smashed out of the park. The banter and humour between them was brilliant and their future with BMOS looks bright.
Calendar Girls is an incredibly special piece of theatre. After this many years of reviewing it's not always the case that you feel compelled to go back to see a show, in the same venue for a second time. This incarnation of the show gives you that feeling and proves the professional production's run ended too soon.
Some shows make you laugh, some make you cry - Calendar Girls does both, and quite often simultaneously. BMOS should give themselves a huge pat on the back for a job very well done.
Calendar Girls plays at The Crescent Theatre until the 29th November 2025. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit crescent-theatre.co.uk.
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