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BrumHour saw Calendar Girls The Musical at the invite of BMOS.
By Dave Massey
This production contains strong language and some nuidity.
Calendar Girls The Musical with BMOS at Cresent Theatre: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐Heartwarming!
Directed by Stephen Duckham, Music by Gary Barlow, Book by Tim Firth
A real Women’s Institute in Yorkshire, which created a semi-naked calendar to raise money for a sofa at Skipton Hospital. This is the fictionalised musical of that story and is also inspired by a play and film (also written by Tim Firth) which retells the story.
Michelle Worthington and Jo Smith play best friends Chris and Annie with kidness and warmth, whilst Sarah Morris plays Celia, showing off her vocal range adeptly, Sarah Russell is extra talented as Cora, demonstrating her piano skills plus Jaz Davison anchors the group as former teacher Jessie.
The story and songs are told with plenty of humour, and the pace zips along really well. The making of the calendar is a big part of this production, and it is great to see the actors support each other throughout this iconic moment.
Told by BMOS Musical Theatre Company, this local production can afford to bring more people onto the stage and push the community aspect even further. The ladies and their extended cast all feel very cohesive, and it is clear they’ve spent plenty of time working and rehearsing this bold production.
The set flexes from indoors at the Women’s Institute to outdoors around the village with the rolling hills. There’s a great live orchestra bringing the soundtrack vividly to life.
At just over two hours and ten minutes plus interval, this production has plenty of heart and a lot of warmth. It’s well worth seeing. Calendar Girls The Musical is at Crescent Theatre until 29th November 2025. Book tickets here: crescent-theatre.co.uk/event-details/295331ACDGJHPHDSRTKJJSDVMNGNTVQGH/calendar-girls-the-musical.
