Calendar Girls - Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre

THERE’S something quintessentially British after a group of Yorkshire ladies shedding their inhibitions and their clothes to raise thousands for cancer research.

All are members of their local WI and are persuaded to pose for a nude calendar after the husband of one of their members dies as a result of the wicked disease.

If you thought the WI was all about jam and Jerusalem, this play is surely to make you think again. Warmly funny and poignant, this captivating tale, based on true events more than 20 years ago, is certainly a timeless and uplifting one.

Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre serves up a theatrical treat here thanks to the expert direction of Martyn Preston and a strong cast that makes you forget you’re actually watching actors, so convincing are they in their portrayal of this remarkable group of women.

I particularly enjoyed Jenny Hollinshead and Stuart Sephton as Annie and John, a loving couple torn apart by tragedy and the role of Lawrence, the photographer, is the perfect vehicle for Phil Callaghan to show off his considerable comic talents. Some of Callaghan’s facial expressions are priceless and the same can also be said of Rosarie Walsh as the initially reluctant Ruth.

However, it seems wrong to single out individual performances for the simple reason there aren’t any bad ones in these engaging, watchable and at times touching telling of a remarkable true story. But as the women gain international recognition for their fundraising, there’s also the inevitable falling out.

The closing of the curtain at Altrincham Little Theatre was greeted by a standing ovation on opening night which was richly deserved because feel good theatre doesn’t get any better than this. Hugely enjoyable.

Until April 1. Tickets and performances details are available from samtheatre.co.uk.

Star rating - ****