Calendar Girls the Musical, WAOS - NODA

WITHAM AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

Calendar Girls, by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth

Director and Choreographer Nikki Mundell-Poole

Musical Director Karen Chinery

Production Manager, Paul Goddard,

Performed at The Witham Public Hall, Witham on Tuesday 23rd April 2024, at 7.30pm

I was met on arrival by Donna Goddard and Director, Nikki Mundell-Poole, who explained that this performance was a VIP evening to help raise funds for the local hospice.

Most of the scenes took place at either The Village Hall in Knapely, Yorkshire or at Harper’s Flower Bazaar and the set was flexible and adaptable to reflect the changes. Designed and built by the society there were good entrances and exits and well placed steps at the back which gave the illusion of a hill. Double doors were at the front of the village hall thus allowing large props ie settee, to be easily placed on stage. The lighting was excellent, with colours changing to reflect both the seasons and the time of day and the sound worked well. Costumes changes also cleverly reflected the different seasons of the year. Two signs were illuminated, as appropriate, at the sides of the stage, one for the flower stall and the other for the hospital departments.

The actors were very well cast and everyone maintained their Yorkshire accent throughout. This was a stellar production with accomplished acting from everyone. The importance of friendship, community and the power of a group of women came through strongly. Susy Hawkes-Dighton, as Annie Clarke was well paired with Constance Lawton as Chris Harper, the owner of the Flower Bazaar, whose huge personality was the driving force in persuading other WI members to take part in the preparation of the calendar. Strong acting from both. Jason Norton, as Susy’s husband John Clarke played his role with great sensitivity and the audience observed his gradual decline ending in his ultimate death. Alice Ward played the reluctant and hesitant Cora with Rhoda Taylor as Ruth. Michelle Bacon played a lovely role as bossy Celia Mortimer-Jones with Carole Hart as Jessie Raistrick. The shooting of the nude photos for the calendar was very funny but in excellent taste..

Celia Graves, as Chair of the Knapley WI was somewhat officious but displayed a tender and sensitive side later. Elizabeth Batt had a small role as the National President of the WI, clearly upset at the proposal for a calendar. Justine Ephgrave was the regal and imposing Lady Cravenshire and I really enjoyed the antics of Miss Wilson (tea) and Miss Wilson (coffee), Anita Goold and Tracey Hackett respectively. Liv Possee was a young schoolgirl Jenny, warding off (possibly) unwelcome attentions.

There were a few more males in the cast ! I particularly enjoyed the performance of Simon Possee as Lawrence the rather anxious and hapless photographer who had some wonderful expressions ! I also thought that the pairing of Will Hackett, as Danny and Ben Rolph as Tommo worked very well as they appeared to encourage each other. Michael Mundell-Poole as Rod supported Chris in the Flower Bazaar. Richard Herring, as Colin, tried to keep his wife, Jessie in check and Joe Geddis, as

Dennis seemed amazed at the transformation of his wife Celia. There was also a large ensemble of mostly WI ladies.

There were many talented singers and I especially enjoyed Time Passing (Ensemble), Kilimanjaro( Annie) and Sunflower (Chris). The band was accomplished under the expert direction of Musical Director Karen Chinery and provided just the right support to the cast.

Most of all I congratulate Nikki Mundell-Poole who has poured so much enthusiasm and innovation into this production. It was very successful and I and the audience loved it.

Hazel Hole MBE

Regional Representative

NODA East

District 11

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