Comedy play in world record bid
A Newcastle theatre is contributing to a world record attempt this week with its production of Calendar Girls.
The comedy play by Tim Firth opens at The People’s Theatre based on the Coast Road in Heaton, Newcastle on Tuesday.
The play’s producers are aiming for the Guinness Book of Records of the most productions of a play in one year, at the same time raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
The play is inspired by the true story of the women of the Rylstone Women’s Institute in North Yorkshire.
When the husband of one of the W.I. members died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the group decided to raise funds for a new sofa in the relatives’ room by creating a calendar of themselves in the nude.
The calendar became a worldwide sensation, raising over £2 million for cancer research.
A film, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, based on the inspiring story was released in 2003, with the stage version opening in the West End in 2009.
The photo shoot, the play’s famous nude scene, presented the biggest challenge for director Eileen Davidson, who compares directing the scene to choreographing a dance.
Davidson, who directed last year’s adaptation of Dad’s Army at the People’s, says: “The scene needs total precision and timing to ensure that nothing is actually revealed, but at the same time it needs to look natural.”
Fortunately, actors Karen Elliott and Maggie Childs, who play Annie and Chris, have been friends in real life for over thirty years.
“It’s so much easier working alongside people you know well”, comments Maggie, “especially when you have to take your kit off!”
Despite the challenges, director Davidson says: “The cast have been fantastic and we’re having lots of fun as well as working hard.”
The release of the amateur rights to the play was extended from 12 to 18 months following concerns by theatres that the narrow window could create too much competition for audiences between local amateur groups.
The amateur premiere was performed by the Grassington Players in the Yorkshire Dales in August 2012.
The Little Theatre in Gateshead will host their production of the show in November.
The professional production continues to tour, arriving in Carlisle in October.
Calendar Girls is at the People’s Theatre, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, from 16-20 July 2013. Tickets are available on the door, from the theatre’s website, or by calling 0191 265 5020.
