Calendar Girls

Calendar GirlsBased on an inspiring true story that is both poignant and hilarious, Prince Moo Productions is delighted to announce an exclusive Melbourne season of the hit play Calendar Girls at The Athenaeum Theatre from 27 September 2017 for a strictly limited season.

A group of extraordinary women, members of a very ordinary Yorkshire Women’s Institute, spark a global phenomenon by persuading one another to pose au natural for a charity calendar with a difference. As interest snowballs, the Calendar Girls find themselves revealing more than they’d ever planned. This heartwarming, comedic tale tells the true story of friendship, hope and determination.

When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris agree to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund in order to purchase a new couch in the local hospital waiting room where they spent so many uncomfortable hours. They manage to persuade fellow WI members to pose discreetly nude with them for an ‘alternative’ calendar, with a little help from a hospital porter and a local amateur photographer.

The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of media soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

Adapted by Tim Firth from his smash hit film of the same name, Calendar Girls is one of the best-selling plays in British theatre history, opening at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2008 and before making its London West End debut in 2009. It has toured extensively throughout Britain, been performed widely in North America and many other countries across the globe.

“The opportunity to direct this play and to help raise both; the profile of Leukaemia and money for Leukaemia support, was too good to miss,” said director Peter J Snee. “Calendar Girls is a glorious celebration of friendship, women and the power of hope. I am very excited to bring this production to Melbourne with this exception cast of performers, that will make you laugh, make you cry and it will leave you feeling better about the world than when you entered the theatre.”

The predominantly female cast will bring to life the wonderful story of friendship and empowerment, showing what can be achieved when people work together for something they believe passionately in.

Tim Firth is a British playwright and composer whose works include A Man Of Letters, The Safari Party, The Flint Street Nativity, Sign of the Times, Our House, Neville’s Island, This Is My Family, The Girls – Musical, and the soon to be released musial, The Band. His film credits include Blackball, Kinky Boots, and The Wedding Video.

“It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it leaves you feeling better about life than you did when you entered the theatre.” – The Telegraph

Director: Peter J. Snee Featuring: Syd Brisbane, Jennifer Sarah Dean, Tottie Goldsmith, Kate Gorman, Vincent Hooper, Lulu McClatchy, Johnathan Peck, Abi Richardson, Lise Rodgers, Jenny Seedsman, Fiona Stewart, John Voce, Francesca Waters Production Design: John Kerr Costume Design: Rhiannon Irving Lighting Design: Jason Bovaird Sound Design: Kyle Evans

Calendar Girls
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Season: 27 September – 7 October 2017
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au

For more information, visit: www.calendargirlsplayau.com for details.

Image: Cast of the Calendar Girls (supplied)