Calendar Girls at the Masque Theatre is a perfect holiday show

It is one of the more successful in a selection of repeats during 2019 and is a perfect way to end the year and usher in 2020 at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg.

Based on a true story, Calendar Girls is a heart-warming comedy about a group of women from the local WI (Women’s Institute) who decide to raise funds to replace the visitors’ couch in the hospital where the husband of Annie (Santie Roy) is receiving treatment for cancer.

Strong cast

Inspired by the success of “girlie” calendars, Chris (Laura Bosman) suggests the ladies do a nude calendar to raise funds. This zany idea is naturally met with a variety of reactions and we are treated to a glimpse of their journey, both as individuals and a group, as they get closer to and finally produce the Alternative WI Calendar. The resulting success and aftermath of their fundraising project are wonderfully captured in this production.

Director Wesley Figaji has put together a cast of highly-talented actors and has ensured that each delightful character is clearly drawn and totally convincing. With a light but firm touch, attention is given to the entire cast and he has seen to it that the ensemble has respected the nuances, the comedy and the pathos that moves the story along at just the right pace.

Melissa Sanderson, Lesley Boxall, Miranda Lewis, Laura Bosman, Santie Roy, Su Cunningham

The Calendar Girls – Annie and Chris, mentioned above and Celia (Lesley Boxall), Cora (Melissa Sanderson), Jessie (Su Cunningham) and Ruth (Miranda Lewis) together with the Chairperson of the WI, Marie (Jane de Sousa) – are all deliciously hilarious in each of their parts. There are times, too, when we weep with them.

I cannot single out any one of these ladies – the acting honours belong to all of them. They are all equally excellent in their roles. It is ensemble playing at its best. The scene of the final photoshoot brought the house down – a tour de force of direction and staging.

Strong support comes from Richard Whittaker as John, a slightly shaky start was redeemed later in the first half as he showed us a man in the last stages of his illness; Wendy Goddard as Brenda; Barbara Basel as Lady Cravenshire;  James Skilton as Rod; Jasmine Minter as Elaine; Wayne Hendricks as Liam; and Jason Bailey as Lawrence, who was particularly impressive.

Brilliant mise-en-scène

A functional and clever set designed by Laura Bosman and Stephan Fourie ensured that numerous scene changes were quick and slick while the choice of transition music added just the right touch. Well done to Wendy Thompson for her sound and lighting design and special mention too of Caryn Kingwell and the cast for the costumes. Wonderful attention to detail, even when discarded!

This show is highly recommended and with it running until the 21 December, is a perfect holiday show for both locals and visitors. Added to this is the opportunity to support the Sunflower Fund by purchasing a calendar, where you can see quite a bit more of the cast of Calendar Girls.

Congratulations Pinelands Players on an excellent show – when can we expect to see Calendar Girls, the Musical? Wouldn’t that be fun!

Tickets can be booked through Computicket or by calling The Masque Theatre on 021 788 1898.