Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

CALENDAR GIRLS By Tim Firth Director: Louise Colohan Assistant Director: Wendy McKie Producer: Ria Green Congleton Players The Congleton Players' latest production of Calendar Girls is a masterpiece of humour, heart, and human connection. From the opening scene to the final curtain call, the cast brought this touching story to life with energy, warmth, and authenticity that left the audience both laughing and wiping away tears. We were met by the wonderful front of house team, all dressed in black, with sunflower brooches and pearls - a really lovely way to set the tone for the evening, adding a touch of elegance and warmth that perfectly captured the spirit of the Calendar Girls. When entering the auditorium, we were greeted with the classic handmade bunting across the front of the stage, and the usual stage colour had been changed to a light green. Add to that the sunflower light on the stage curtain, we knew we were about to enter Yorkshire life. The first thing we heard was a single voice, gently singing “Jerusalem”, the anthem of the WI. And then the curtain rose, and we landed inside a church hall - decorated as you would expect - great portrait of the queen, notice boards with flyers, old pictures of people long forgotten. The lighting really added to setting the scene, as overhead pendant lights were used - exactly what you’d have in a church hall - and a lit fire exit sign! No detail missed. The opening lines had us laughing from the start - we knew this was going to be a hilarious evening. The Yorkshire accents were perfect throughout, adding an authentic charm that made the characters feel all the more relatable. Each actress delivered her lines with impeccable timing and warmth, drawing us into the hilarity and camaraderie of the Women’s Institute. The clever one-liners and witty exchanges had the audience in stitches, while the heartfelt moments reminded us of the deeper themes of friendship and resilience woven into the narrative. It was clear that the cast was not only talented but also deeply connected, creating a joyful atmosphere that set the stage for a memorable performance. Gilly Thompson as Chris was an absolute standout, delivering a performance that was hilariously bold yet deeply compassionate. Gilly’s sharp wit and impeccable comic timing made her Chris a force to be reckoned with, perfectly capturing the cheeky, rebellious

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