The cast of an amateur production of hit stage show and film Calendar Girls have peeled their clothes off for their own charity calendar.
Blackwood Little Theatre is putting the play on next month to raise money for Helping Hands,
Hospices of the Valleys, MacMillan nurses and Cancercareline.
The production’s director Peta Maidman said: “The play is only available for 12 months to amateur groups, and is part of a world record attempt to get as many productions of the play performed in that 12 month period. We decided about 18 months ago that we would like to perform this play and be included in such a unique experience and the response and dedication of everyone involved has been amazing.
“Due to the nature of the play and it being such a massive hit on stage and screen, rehearsals have been a joy, with everyone pitching in to make it not only a fantastic production, but also to ensure that this is an event that will live long in the memories of audience and theatre alike.
“We’ve certainly not done anything like this before.”
The hit play, itself based on a true story inspired film, focuses on the women of the Rylstone Women’s Institute in North Yorkshire.
As part of their activities they produced a calendar each year based around scenes of the Yorkshire dales to raise funds for local charities. In 1999, the husband of one of the W.I. members became ill with Leukaemia and during his treatment, his wife and her friends became acutely aware that there was little comfort in the relatives’ room and vowed to fundraise to purchase a new settee.
They decided to create an alternative calendar of themselves in the nude instead of the usual rural scenes because “sex sells”.
The calendar became a worldwide sensation and has since raised £2million for cancer research.
Ms Maidman added: “The popularity of the play, which has been in the West End for many years and continues to tour professionally, and the response to the original film being so positive, means that we have a great deal to live up to.
“It is so important to carry on the legacy of this story and
expectations are high.
“The challenge will be to exceed those expectations and bring our audience something new by
way of enjoyment and insight into this amazing tale.”
Blackwood Little Theatre is beginning the run with a sell-out charity Gala night on September 1.
Hospices of the Valleys, MacMillan Nurses and Cancercareline (their neighbours on Woodbine Road). A black tie event, all the proceeds for this will be donated to the charities.
Sarah Jones, Blackwood Little Theatre’s publicity manager, said: “The popularity of this night has been amazing, and it has sold out almost as quickly as the tickets went on sale.
“We are indebted to the many supporters, sponsors and donors who have contributed not only with their purchase of tickets but their generous donations to the auction and raffle which will be held on the evening.”
She added: “Don’t forget, there is still plenty of opportunity to see the play after the Gala night with an extended run of the play from September 4 to September 8”.
In addition to the play, the theatre has produced its own Calendar, with the ladies (and gentlemen) of the cast dropping everything in aid of a good cause.
Available to buy at the show (or pre-order online) and via the local sponsors of the calendar, Blackwood Little Theatre hopes will be a great way of raising money for local charities.
Further details and tickets are available from the box office on 07930 599317 , or the website www.blackwoodlt.org.uk