AuthorsJuliette Towhidi & Tim Firth
Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth co-wrote the screenplay for the original film of Calendar Girls (2003). Tom Firth went on to adapt this for the stage.
Juliette Towhidi is a screenwriter who also wrote the screenplays for Testament of Youth (2014) and Love, Rosie (2014) as well as episodes of the TV series Death Comes to Pemberley (2013) and The Essex Serpent (2022).
Tim Firth's theatre credits include Greatest Days, Now Is Good (UK Theatre nomination best musical) This Is My Family (Sheffield Crucible, UK Theatre Award Best New Musical), Neville's Island (Nottingham Playhouse and West End, Evening Standard & Olivier nomination, MEN Award), The Safari Party (Stephen Joseph, Scarborough and Hampstead), the musical Our House (West End, Olivier Award Best Musical), The Flint Street Nativity (Liverpool Playhouse) and Sign of the Times (UK tour and West End). His play Calendar Girls (Chichester Festival Theatre, West End) broke all British records for a professional and amateur play, was nominated for an Olivier and won the Whatsonstage Best Comedy Award. Calendar Girls – The Musical, co-written with Gary Barlow, opened at Leeds Opera House and transferred to the Phoenix Theatre in the West End, winning a Whatsonstage Award and an Olivier nomination. His musical The Band opened its national tour in the UK, winning the MEN best Musical award, before transferring to the Haymarket Theatre.
Tim’s film credits include Blackball, Calendar Girls (British Comedy Award), Kinky Boots (Best International Film, Florida FF)and The Wedding Video. Tim’s most recent film, Greatest Days, was released in 2023.
Recent work for television includes the Playhouse drama Timeless. His other TV credits include Money for Nothing (Writer’s Guild Award), The Rottentrolls (BAFTA Award), Cruise of the Gods, The Flint Street Nativity and Preston Front (Writer’s Guild Award, British Comedy Award, RTS Award, BAFTA nomination). In 2004 Tim developed a season of single comedy plays entitled Trapped. Most recently The Rottentrolls was voted one of the top 50 children’s shows of all time.
In 2019 a new production of This Is My Family starring Jimmy Nesbitt and Sheila Hancock opened at Chichester Festival Theatre, and a new all-female production of Neville’s Island, called Sheila's Island, was first performed in 2022.
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Get ready for laughter, tears, and a whole lot of Yorkshire charm as Calendar Girls takes center stage! Based on the true story that inspired a global phenomenon, this uplifting play follows a group of extraordinary women who dare to bare for a cause close to their hearts. When tragedy strikes, the ladies of the local Women’s Institute rally together to raise money in the most unconventional way—by creating a nude calendar that celebrates friendship, courage, and the power of community.
With wit, warmth, and a touch of cheeky rebellion, Calendar Girls is a celebration of everyday heroes who prove that age is just a number and bravery comes in all forms. Whether you're coming for the comedy or staying for the heartfelt moments, this is one show you won’t want to miss.
This amateur production of Calendar Girls is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd, www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
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This play was staged at The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre (formerly Havant Arts Centre), East Street Havant - Bench Theatre's home since 1977.
| Chris | Paula Bartlett |
| Rod | Rob Bartlett |
| Annie | Nicola Wootton |
| John | Andy Thomas |
| Jessie | Lauren Farnhill |
| Cora | Katie Watson |
| Marie | Kia Wilson |
| Celia | Phillippa Riddoch |
| Ruth | Lorraine Stone |
| Lady Cravenshire | Emma Jewitt |
| Brenda Hulse | Rachael Wilkie |
| Lawrence | Jack Sweet |
| Elaine | Tas Halford |
| Lia | Ria Basford |
Production Team
| Director | Angie McKeown |
| Producer | Jacquie Penrose |
| Stage Manager | Tasmin Halford |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Di Wallsgrove |
| Lighting Design | Phil Hanley |
| Lighting Operator | Bethany Howard |
| Sound Design | Howard Alston |
| Sound Operator | Bethany Howard |
| Set Design | Dinnie Jay |
| Set Construction | Callum West, Julie Wood, Archie McKeown, Keira & Colin McQuilian and Dinnie Jay |
| Handbill Design | Tasmin Halford |
| Programme Editor | Derek Callam |
| Photography | Caitlin Green |
| Publicity and Press | Fiona Callingham |
| Front of House Manager | Ingrid Corrigan |
Director's Notes
Theatre has a unique way of bringing people together - to share stories, to find connection, and to reflect something truthful about our own lives. Calendar Girls does this with remarkable warmth and honesty, telling the story of ordinary women who, in the face of loss, discover humour, courage abd a renewed sense of purpose. It is a piece that gently balances laughter with poignancy, reminding us of the strength found in community.
Working on a play that places women so firmly at its heart has been a real joy. This cast and crew have been a joy to work with. Throughout rehearsals, there has been a strong sense of camaraderie, bravery and support within the company, echoing the spirit of the story itself. It has been a privilege to help bring this uplifting and deeply human piece to the stage.
Angie McKeown (Director)
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