The Lane Cove Theatre Company’s production of Calendar Girls was absolutely delightful, where fresh “sunflowery-goodness” shone from the stage via the actors! Although the play has a serious undertone, with one of the character’s husband, John (Darren Gibson) passing away from leukemia, Director, Light and Sound Designer Kathy Petrakis led the company towards showcasing an inspiring story which evolved into a powerful celebration of a group of women. The story highlights their bravery in stepping beyond their comfort zone along with the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Based on a true story, Calendar Girls opens with a group of mature women attempting to do a yoga class, led by Chris (Michelle Bellamy), which dissolves into teasing each other. The audience quickly sees the easy-going friendship between these women, who meet regularly in Yorkshire at the Women’s Institute.
When the unthinkable happens and John falls sick, diagnosed with leukemia, his wife Annie (Anita Lenzo) is devastated. Having been previously viewed as a bright and positive presence on stage, Gibson’s portrayal of his character John struck me deeply, as he convincingly shrinks into his former self – sitting in a wheelchair and speaking weakly- evoking a powerful emotional impact.
When he passes, the way this is told was respectfully done, with writer Tim Firth ensuring that John’s legacy and wish for his loved ones would be like his favourite flower, the sunflower. The line “the last phase of the sunflower is the most glorious” appears to live on as a blessing. So begins a heartfelt mission to raise money for leukaemia research and to improve the relatives’ waiting room in the hospital by replacing an old uncomfortable lounge.
Chris and Annie come up with the idea for their group of friends to pose nude for the upcoming WI calendar, and it takes some convincing for the others to agree. Bellamy’s portrayal of outgoing Chris was noteworthy, and she showed the vulnerability of her character as well as her fierce strength. Lenzo playing the grieving widow Annie, was acted with heart and a quiet determination.
Each of the women were given props to use in their photo shoot. I won’t give any spoilers away, except to say that how the photo shoot was done, was in equal parts both tasteful and hilarious! I would imagine that this task of having a live “nude” photoshoot onstage would have been a challenge, so well done to the cast and crew. The audience loved this scene!
Blake Nicholas, portraying the calendar’s photographer Lawrence, and later toward the end of the play, another photographer named Liam, gave strong performances as both. Pauline Garner’s character Marie gave her the opportunity to showcase her comedic flair as the uptight head of the WI Yorkshire branch, particularly in a scene where she is playing a game of badminton with Ruth.
What I really liked about Calendar Girls was that each woman in this friendship group had a story to tell and the actors brought their own character’s individuality and quirky personalities to the forefront with sleek nuances and body language. No single character was “the star”. I think that this united the audience closer to the characters. Janette Chambers brought her musical and singing background to the stage playing the confident church organist Cora, the Vicker’s daughter, with spunk! Jessie was played with a twinkling cheekiness by Karen Firmstone, and her delivery of a certain line during the calendar photo shoot had the audience in bouts of laughter. Georgina Philpott, who played Celia, nailed her character’s vibrant personality well. Josephine Birch’s character Ruth had a wide scope of emotions due to her situation which played out as time went on, and she portrayed Ruth’s fragility to strength perfectly. The Yorkshire accent is a difficult one to master, and I’m sure that the cast will continue to polish this distinct accent as the season unfolds.
Calendar Girls felt authentic, in a way that only a well written true story can. The ending was a tribute to people who have been affected by cancer and it was moving and respectful. When we were told the end fundraising total for the “WI Alternative Calendar”, I left the theatre feeling hopeful and impressed by the strength of community and the power of lasting friendships. If you want to feel this way too, combined with a few belly laughs, go and see Calendar Girls in Lane Cove!
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1508641
Duration: 2 hours with interval
Season: 20 February – 1 March 2026
The Pottery Lane Performance Space
1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(There is onsite parking, for free after 6pm)
To book tickets to Calendar Girls, please visit https://www.lanecovetheatrecompany.com.au/.
Photographer: Jim Crew, Lane Cove Creative Photography
