What an absolute privilege and pleasure to return to beautiful, Blackburn Empire Theatre, for Blackburn Drama Club’s first play of the 2025/2026 season, and what a cracker of a show to kick off with!
Calendar Girls, based on the true story of eleven members of the Rylstone and District Women’s Institute, who, back in 1998 came up with the somewhat shocking idea of posing nude for a charity calendar. W.I. member, Tricia Stewart, was inspired by her friend’s husband, John Baker, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and who sadly passed away aged just 54, to create an unconventional calendar to raise funds to buy a new sofa for visitors, at the local hospital where John was receiving treatment. John’s wife, Angela Baker, said they discussed the idea of the nude calendar with John before he passed away, ‘John said, “You won’t do it, you’re all talk”, but you see, you don’t say that to a group of feisty Yorkshire ladies…’
At Blackburn Empire Theatre, said feisty Yorkshire ladies: Chris, Annie, Cora, Jessie, Celia and Ruth, alongside Angel, Rebecca, Sarah, Felicity and Martha entered with energy, warmth and a big dose of mischief. Once this talented bunch were on stage together, it was clear this was going to be a great night of entertainment.
The simple set, created by Andrew Smith (Stage Manager), and team, was perfect for the village hall, located in the fictional village of Knapeley. Projections, by Alice Pickup, of the notice board, which changed with the seasons, worked as an effective marker of time.
The loving relationship between Annie and John has to be believable to inspire the events which follow. Julie Laing presented the vulnerable, caring side of Annie and the scenes with John (Steven Derbyshire) were tender, contained just the right amount of humour, and were played with feeling. Derbyshire respectfully acted John’s decline in health with each new entrance onto the stage. This action-packed show constantly fluctuates between highs and lows, hilarity and sadness, however, the loss of John was well managed, poignant and marked with a fitting moment of stillness and reflection.
Joanne Shepherd, as Chris, was outstanding. Shepherd’s professionalism, comic timing and delivery was superb, often leaving the audience in stitches. Shepherd was suitably confident, playful yet focused, and determined when necessary. The perfect character to support her friend, Annie, with an ambitious, rebellious plan.
Neely Jillings, was charmingly endearing throughout. Jillings, with an engaging stage presence, perfectly captured the character of the enthusiastic people-pleaser, Ruth. Jillings was hilarious in the photography scene and suitably steely when finding her inner strength.
Anna Cryer excelled as Celia, with fabulous characterisation, and all credit for maintaining the contrasting accent throughout. Cryer was fantastic in the photography scene, with great facial expressions, and again in the emotional letter reading scene, bringing some light relief.
Alison Bell, came across as incredibly natural in the role of retired school teacher, Jessie. Clearly spoken and wholly believable, Bell was perfectly cast bringing just the right amount of naughtiness beneath a prim and proper exterior.
Claire St Pierre as Cora, entertained with audience-pleasing piano playing. St Pierre conveyed Cora’s insecurities well, and flourished as the play progressed, a result of her bravery in taking part in the calendar.
The W.I. girls need a strict leader to rebel against, and Suzanne Nolan as Marie, did not disappoint. Nolan brought great energy to the role and was suitably no-nonsense, confident yet compassionate. Serious enough to show enthusiasm for dull talks (about tea towels and broccoli!) but enthusiastic and open to new ideas when it comes to winning one over on the neighbouring W.I. The badminton scene deserves a mention as this was very cleverly done.
All the cameo roles were certainly worth waiting for. Shirley Watson was suitably over the top as Lady Cravenshire. With incredible costumes throughout, (Jane Stack and Shirley Watson), a warm sense of nostalgic country life was created.
Lights and Sound (Ryan Clegg and Alex Pickup) were well managed throughout the show, unobtrusively highlighting the action and in keeping with the various settings in rural Yorkshire.
For an opening night show, this was incredibly impressive. Blackburn Drama Club, under the direction of Paddy Darnell-Walsh, has respectfully paid tribute to this heartwarming, uplifting story. A few of the funny lines were lost under the laughter of the audience, but this is understandable on opening night, the first time with a live audience.
This production is a wonderful celebration of life, friendship, and of an inspirational story which spread hope and joy across the world. The highly anticipated photography scene is excellent, well done to Charlie Birtwistle as photographer Lawrence, who certainly gets more than he bargains for! After the climax of this iconic scene, the second Act deals well with the strained relationships, egos and frictions which bubble over as the Girls’ fame spreads, far and wide.
This is clearly an incredible team effort, from the friendly front of house volunteers, to the backstage crew, including the wonderful props by Alison Smith, (in particular, the enormous cracker!), this is a blooming marvellous production. Well done to all involved.
Calendar Girls runs at Blackburn Empire Theatre until Saturday 20th September, tickets available from https://blackburnempire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660471 if you are lucky enough to get one!
Reviewer: Emma Wild
Reviewed: 17th September 2025
North West End UK Rating: