An emotional and memorable evening was had at Pontefract Town Hall last night as Encore Theatre Company performed their version of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s Calendar Girls – The Musical.
For those who aren’t familiar with the stage show, it is based on the true story of a group of ordinary Yorkshire women who attend a branch of the Women’s Institute (WI). Through tragedy, the loss of one of their own, Annie’s husband to blood cancer, led by Chris they find a novel and extraordinary way of raising money to buy a memorial settee for the visitor’s room at Skipton General Hospital. Let’s create a ‘nude’ calendar! Resulting in a global phenomenon and enough money (Millions!) to have a ward in the hospital named the John Clarke Memorial Wing. The musical explores the challenging, moving and sometimes humorous personal reactions to their grief and new found fame, laced with Northern grit. Originally a hit film in 2003 and then a stage play in 2008 it was adapted to its current form and premiered in 2015 with an original score from Gary Barlow and Lyrics from Tim Firth. This show is both empowering and heart-warming, it seamlessly juxtaposes profound grief and loss with witty British humour and its affirmative, body positive climax, never fails to be a multi-generational hit!
Directed by Andy Lunn and Choreographed by Bev Maher, with Musical Direction by Joel Griffin and his seven piece band we are transported to Knapely Village in the Yorkshire Dales to meet the locals and the characters whose lives are about to drastically and emotionally change forever. The part movable set, hints at the scene but isn’t intrusive in any way. Lighting and sound by CS Technical LLP, add plenty to the ambience and create some lovely emotive moments. The ensemble singing was powerful and added to the resonance of the location, with some lovely harmonies and some well-timed comedic one liners thrown in.
With a large complex cast, Eleanor Aldous as the bereaved Annie is exceptional in role and the glue that holds this production together, her emotive performance is delicately beautiful and heart breaking in equal measures. Paul Forsberg as her ailing husband John gives a believable and convincing performance as his health declines. Annie’s WI friends include the crazy Chris Harper (Clare Heins), her bestie for 40 years, wife of Rod (Phil Clarkson) and mother of Danny (Bobby Cook). Bev Maher as ex Air Hostess Celia, with a permanent reminder of overhead lockers and a golf loving husband Denis (Richard Goodall). Cora (Sarah Clarkson) as the single mum of Tommo (Joe Tankard) and local Vicar’s daughter who feels trapped. Jessie (Pam Robinson) the retired school teacher who unexpectedly believes that age is just a number and now has just one pupil, her husband Colin (Stephen Robinson). Alex Bush plays the down trodden, eager to please Ruth. And then there is the last bastion of the WI standards the chairperson, Marie with her wayward daughter Jenny (Imogen Maher). Oh, and if you need a cup of Tea or Coffee. Emily Dench and Holly Easton as the Miss Wilson’s are the ladies to call. Linda West covers various cameos and Janet Mallinder, Brogan Mayfield Brazier and Catherine Pidd make up the villagers. And then there’s Lawrence the shy, out of his depth photographer played by Toby Hall… in the room with the ladies his fear is palpable!
The main cast where all strong in their own personas but a few of these I feel need a special mention. Added to the impressive Aldous and Forsberg, I must add Sarah Clarkson, who played her role differently to any of my previous viewing of this musical and I really warmed to her adaptation, it gave real depth to a role that is sometimes overlooked. Alex Bush was simply superb in the role of Ruth, a very talented actress. Her mutterings were so very sincere and relatable and her solo Russian Friend and I; being my favourite song in the show; was a perfect blend of angst and tone. Clare Heins needs a mention for her display that closes Act One and no we didn’t see your nipples! The young cast were all very strong in role and vocally, Cook and Maher had a lovely rapport based on love and loathing and Cook excelled in Hello Yorkshire, I’m a virgin, with crystal clear diction and emotional journey. Tankard well… he just WAS Tommo, hilarious naturally, very enjoyable to watch – nothing dramatically forced there!
Thank you for your invitation Encore, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
So to sum up, all that is community spirit and the power of a collective, in true Yorkshire style was not only evident as Knapely village but also as Encore Theatre Company, the cast were as one and their joy of a togetherness shone through. Yorkshire folk at their best – All for one and one for all! You can catch this emotionally heart-warming and funny show at the Pontefract Town Hall until the 20th June 2016.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 18th June 2026
North West End UK Rating: