Hot on the heels of their wonderful production of Les Misérables in June, BMOS (Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society) Musical Theatre Company have scored another sure-fire hit with Gary Barlow & Tim Firth’s Calendar Girls: The Musical. Against the backdrop of tragedy in a small and close-knit community in Yorkshire, this is an uplifting and life-enhancing romp through the dales of God’s own country. Even the hardest of hearts would be hard-pressed to leave without a smile on their face.

The plot, based on true-life events, is firmly established in popular culture. It is, after all, more than 25 years since the story first hit the headlines with the release of the original star-studded film. Following the heartbreaking early death of the husband of one of their number, the members of a village WI decide to raise funds to buy a new settee for the family room of the hospital where he was treated. It is, of course, their method of fundraising that raises eyebrows; producing and selling a nude (not naked!) calendar featuring the WI members themselves, modesty preserved by a strategically placed bunch of flowers here and a currant bun or two there! And so, the inevitable comedy ensues...

But before we get to the point of shooting the iconic calendar photos, we are treated to a series of scenes of village life, the ups and downs of living in a small rural community, from the gentle power struggles at WI meetings to the scandal of a shop-bought cake entered for the village fête. In adapting the story for the stage, Barlow and Firth have created a world where life moves slowly and the smallest of events becomes significant.

The talented cast do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and reflecting the highs and lows of their community; there are moments of hilarity, insights into family life and reminders of the beauty of the surrounding countryside - all set against the unfolding sadness of the illness of John, a central figure in this small corner of the world and beloved husband of Annie.

As John, Nick Owenford captures perfectly the tough Yorkshire farmer with a heart of gold; unfailingly optimistic, refusing to give in to his sickness and determined to look to the future. There cannot be a dry eye left in the house as later in the show the recently bereaved Annie (Michelle Worthington) reflects on the pain of the challenges of her new, widowed existence when she sings Kilimanjaro. Chris (Jo Smith), Annie’s long-time friend, is a wonderful mixture of outwardly responsible adult and slightly reckless young lady who has not quite grown up. Supporting this trio are a host of different characters, from the uber-glamorous Celia (Sarah Morris) to the downtrodden Ruth (Maria Raymond), all portrayed by a hugely accomplished cast whose elation at being on stage makes their performances a joy to watch. Special mention must go to Charlie Pugh (Danny) and Emerson Clarke-Selby (Tommo) whose comic exchanges on occasion give more than a nod to pantomime dame; surely both these young actors are destined to go far.

There is a great deal to love about this charming production. With joyful, spirited performances, this is the ultimate feelgood evening of entertainment. The audience’s reaction said it all; there were too many laugh-out-loud moments to count and the cast were met with a standing ovation as they took their bow. 
A genuine treat for lovers of musical theatre, BMOS’s production of Calendar Girls: The Musical cannot fail to delight.

Five stars

Calendar Girls: The Musical was reviewed by Rachel Smith on Tuesday 24 November at Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre, where it shows until this Saturday (29 November).