A group of 20 MPH members travelled to the Marlowe theatre in Canterbury on February 15th to see Tim Firths "Calendar Girls" - but this was no ordinary social occasion....We came to enjoy the show and pick up as many tips as possible on making the script we've studied come to life - all good preparation for our own production in 2013.

The play revolves around a close-knit WI group who find a novel way to raise money for a new visitors sofa at their local cancer unit. These remarkable women pose for a calendar to raise the funds, but unimpressed with the usual "views of bridges" style of calendar, they pose nude with only the familiar WI props of jam, buns, knitting and flowers to cover their modesty..

Based on the true story, the calendar, (just like the show) is a sell-out hit.

Speaking afterwards with actor Joe McGann, who plays John , was a real treat. He sat, relaxed on the edge of the stage and chatted for some 20 minutes about his great affection for the work. A work he sees as a cross between Willy Russell and Alan Ayckbourn. He is delighted that Tim Firth has released the amateur rights, allowing groups (like MPH) to experience performing it. He provided some valuable insights into the technicalities of the staging, and we left feeling completely inspired.
If you are similarly inspired, Director Nicky Kelly will be holding auditions towards the end of 2012, and the production will take place in May 2013