Calendar Girls – Octagon Theatre

Calendar Girls is a beautifully uplifting and heartfelt production that all audiences relate to. The show radiates warmth, humour and a humanity which created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and uplifting. It’s one of those rare productions where you laugh freely, feel deeply, and leave the theatre with a renewed sense of connection and optimism. It just shows why this story has resonated with audiences for so many years.

What makes the production so special is the sheer authenticity of the cast. Every performer brings sincerity to their role, portraying the friendships, frustrations and quiet bravery of these women with a real emotional depth. The camaraderie between them is so effortless, you can feel and believe the friendships, and grief, and the courage it takes each of them to step into the spotlight in the most unconventional and beautiful way. The humour lands brilliantly with the audiences, one minute you’re crying with sadness and the next is crying from laughing. It’s those moments that truly stay with you.

Special mentions to Christina Meehan and Karen Holmes as Annie and Chris, whose friendship forms the backbone of the story. Meehan provides an outstanding portrayal of Annie’s quiet resilience and gentle strength; the vulnerability and sincerity she brings to the character is truly remarkable. Holmes, in contrast brings a vibrant and infectious energy to the stage as Chris, who is bold, funny and fiercely loyal, she delivers a brilliant performance that is vibrant and full of infectious energy. Together they create a partnership that feels completely real and lived in. Their natural chemistry, effortless banter and shared emotional moments is so genuinely moving. Audiences can truly believe in their decades of friendship and the comfort and courage they find in one another.

The young cast in the production add a refreshing spark to this emotional show. Their scenes bring a youthful energy yet highlight the generational impact of the women’s actions. Whether offering a comedic relief after a heavy and emotional section of the show, or grounding the story in everyday life, the young performers add a meaningful and creative contribution to the rhythm of the story. Their presence reminds us that bravery and community spirit go far beyond the leaders of the story. It also adds another way in which audiences can resonate to the story and shows how actions can impact future generations.

One element I found most impressive was the handling of the iconic nude calendar photoshoot scenes. With the staging being in the round, it was hard to imagine how this would be done without being awkward or over-exposing for the audience who are on all sides of the stage, as well as the actors on stage. However, the ingenious use of props was all it took. Cleverly positioned props and use of sheets, light reflectors and other village hall items, and the cast forming up around each other, create the perfect moments of modesty. The choreography of these props is so smooth and confident that the audience never feels uncomfortable, and it never felt out of place, instead it became a joyful and comedic highlight of the show. It was really well worked and a very interesting part of the show. The women’s bravery shines through but the staging ensured dignity, humour and charm in equal measure. It looked effortless but is clearly a well thought out piece of direction that gains one of the biggest rounds of applause of the night.

The music numbers, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth are brilliant. They are delivered with clarity. Heart and impressive vocal strength. Each number adds something meaningful to the narrative. The fact that it is the cast members who are playing the instruments as well is even more impressive, the way they change seamlessly from their characters into musicians is brilliant and truly shows just how talented every one of these performers is.

The Octagon’s intimate staging layout works perfectly for a story rooted in friendship and small-town life. The set design is simple yet effective, and it makes the transitions between scenes so seamless. There’s a realness to the design and you feel like you are right there with the characters, in the village hall, the hospital and even on the hill, it’s just brilliant.

What truly elevates this production is the celebration of ordinary women doing something so extraordinary, for such an emotional and beautiful cause. It handles grief with tenderness, gives such authenticity to the friendships, and shows courage in all its forms. The themes are never rushed, giving audiences time to live and breathe in them, and reflect on their own experiences. It really is a masterful, yet highly relatable production, that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.

Calendar Girls is simply beautiful and is everything you want from live theatre; heartfelt, hilarious and empowering. It is full of spirit and a reminder of the strength found in community. It reflects everyday bravery, the never-ending themes of life, and the joy that comes from supporting one another. It is truly an outstanding production and a must-see for anyone.

Calendar Girls will be performing at Bolton Octagon until 31st October. Tickets can be found at this link: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on

Reviewer: Abigail Pendlebury

Reviewed: 9th October 2026

North West End UK Rating: