Reviewed by Marie Su
From the 11th October until the 19th October, The Zenith Theatre, Chatswood hosts The Epicentre Theatre Company in their latest production of “Calendar Girls”. The Epicentre Theatre Company is donating $2 from every ticket sale to the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation because cancer is the cause which inspires this play. Director Belinda Clark has directed this production of “Calendar Girls” with humour, wit and charm. The characters came across as warm, genuine and engaging. They supported each other through hardship and made a difference to each other and their community. The trigger for creating the calendar was the death caused by leukaemia suffered by one of the female character’s husbands. Based on a true story, this production of women from Northern England who tastefully stripped off and allowed photographs to be taken of them to make a fundraising calendar, is well known in the film version. To perform this play in the flesh, so to speak, must have been a challenge for the mature women of the cast and crew.
Each character faces their own personal demons and growths through their experience. The play is an ensemble piece and they are all to be commended equally. This rendition works because each cast member is valuable in their own right and the performances hinge inextricably on each other and their personal interactions. On a production note, the company made very good use of props and lighting which helped me connect with the human story presented.
Judging by the audience’ reaction on opening night, the happy vibe and the sheer enjoyment emanating from the theatre, shows that “Calendar Girls” at the Zenith is a production not to be missed. It is not just about a good cause, it’s an exceptionally good show. I’d recommend bringing an extra $15 for the artistically produced and presented “Calendar Girls” calendar.
