Wimborne Drama Productions 
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 
Bethany Sivewright 
22 May 2025
What a rollercoaster of emotions! Wimborne Drama Productions had the audience tearing up, laughing out loud and giving rapturous applause during their excellent production of Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. The play follows the true story of an eclectic group of WI ladies from Knapely, Yorkshire, who decide to appear in their own nude (not naked!) calendar, raising money to fight cancer, inspired by one of their own’s battle with the disease. While they face some opposition, namely from their snobby local president (Kelly Webb), the calendar is an unexpected success and helps the women to find renewed courage within themselves, as well as bringing out some tensions among the group. The highs, lows and daily challenges faced by this group of women are poignantly woven throughout to tell an inspiring story of bravery, strength and above all, friendship.
Lesley James and Julie Sissons gave powerful performances as Chris and Annie, two best friends whose lives are forever changed when Annie’s husband John (Richard Cawte) develops cancer. These are both demanding roles, with Lesley bringing out the humorous and tenacious sides of Chris, and Julie showing the quiet strength and raw emotion of Annie; both actresses delivered in spades. Richard gave a touching performance as John, moving the audience to tears with his shift from happy-go-lucky to increasingly frail as his fight with cancer progressed.
Heather Birchenough, Leah Jane, Beth Morris and Tracey Nicholls brought the remaining WI ladies to life, playing a retired schoolteacher, a struggling single mother, a trophy wife and a downtrodden housewife respectively. The group worked together well as an ensemble, inviting the audience into their warm-natured banter, while each individual actress delivered an impressive monologue as their characters found their confidence and their voices. A special mention must go to all six women who had the courage to bare-all onstage during the famous calendar scene, paying a lovely tribute to the original Calendar Girls; their own bravery and sisterhood shone through in this funny and moving scene, gaining each actress a well-deserved cheer as not-quite-all was revealed! Director Sali Pike must also be commended for the brilliant staging that allowed her actresses to strip off without compromising their dignity in front of audience, cast or crew. The performance benefitted from a strong supporting cast all round, in particular David Beddard-Banks as enthusiastic photographer Lawrence, and Colin Pile as Chris’s doting husband.
The hard work and effort weren’t limited to onstage; backstage elements were equally impressive. Set was simple but effective, with clever use of projection designed by Leoh Hopkins and music composed by Andy Gill to indicate the passing of time. Props were used to great effect, in particular during the calendar and letters scenes, and a large number of costume changes (special highlight being the bunny – or was it a gerbil?) added to the realistic feel of the production.
Sali and all involved should be very proud of the show that they have put together. Calendar Girls is playing at the Tivoli Theatre Wimborne from 22 – 24 May, including a Saturday matinee. I highly recommend you snap up a ticket to go and see this inspiring, joy-filled performance. Credit must also be given to members of the cast and crew who have produced their very own nude calendar inspired by the original Calendar Girls, raising money for Teddy20, a local charity supporting children battling with cancer. Be sure to look out for their calendar on sale in the foyer!
