spirit of the character. Her characterisation of Chris meant that, despite her impulsiveness and occasional vanity, we couldn’t help but root for because of her big heart and deep loyalty to those she loves. Gilly embodied the character of Chris so naturally you’d think she actually was Chris. Not a beat missed, not a line slipped, just authentic and endearing throughout. We were with her all the way through her ups and downs and loved her even more than we thought we could by the end. Equally moving was Sarah Francis as Annie, whose portrayal of a woman navigating the loss of her beloved husband was delicate and deeply heartfelt. Sarah brought a quiet strength to Annie, and her poignant performance had the audience rooting for her every step of the way. Annie’s strength lies in her ability to carry on, even when overwhelmed by grief, and to allow herself to be uplifted by the love and support of her friends. She is the emotional glue that holds the group together, and her story is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, friendship, and hope in the face of loss. Sarah embodied this throughout the show, and we really felt for her through the happy times and the sad. Mandi Dearing as Cora had the audience in stitches with her wry humour and delightful irreverence. Her energy was infectious, lighting up every scene she appeared in, and her musical talent added a brilliant layer to her role as the “vicar’s daughter.” Mandy brought the laughs with her biting wit and cheeky one-liners, while also tapping into the deeper, more emotional side of Cora. The audience were drawn to her unapologetic attitude, making her one of the most fun and endearing characters in the play. Cora’s journey reminds us that even in the face of life’s difficulties, there’s always room for laughter, resilience, and the strength that comes from friendship. Claire Morris as Jessie was a revelation. Her portrayal of the feisty, wise-cracking retiree was pitch-perfect, delivering some of the funniest lines of the night while exuding charm and confidence. Jessie’s involvement in the nude calendar is particularly significant, as it represents a bold declaration that older women can be just as daring, beautiful, and confident as anyone else. Jessie’s confidence and fearlessness when it comes to stripping down for the calendar are a source of inspiration, not just to the women around her but also to the audience. Claire brought Jessie to life with a perfect balance of sass, humour, and heart. She captured the character’s vibrant energy and made her an unforgettable presence on stage. And I have to note, that after her rousing speech about ageing, the lovely lady next to me uttered “absolutely right” - and nudged me with “I’m
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