CALENDAR GIRLS AT THE MILL AT SONNING: A WHOLESOME THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE

By Vartika Chandola ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

“Calendar Girls,” directed by Sally Hughes and presented at The Mill at Sonning, delivers a heart-warming and thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience. Alongside the delightful performance, my visit to this quaint and beautiful little theatre was very wholesome and pleasant.

Calendar Girls is based on the true story from 1999 of a group of women, members of WI from Knapely, who decided to pose nude for a calendar to raise funds for a cancer wing at Skipton hospital. The idea was inspired by one of the member’s husbands who passed away fighting this terrible disease. The women face challenges and humorous situations as they embark on this unconventional fundraising journey, ultimately showcasing the power of friendship, resilience, and community spirit. The story highlights themes of overcoming obstacles, celebrating life, and challenging societal norms with warmth, humour, and heartfelt emotion.

The pace of the show is perfectly balanced—neither too rushed nor too slow. It navigates the story with precision, evoking a spectrum of emotions that lean more towards laughter than tears, affirming its status as a feel-good comedy. The narrative, originally adapted into a film in 2003 and then into a play, followed by a musical in 2015, beautifully captures the essence of friendship and resilience picked from the original story.

Annie and Chris, portrayed by Natalie Ogle and Rachel Fielding respectively, exhibit remarkable chemistry on stage, embodying the authenticity of close friendship. Additionally, the relationship between Annie and John is portrayed with genuine warmth and strength too, thanks to the production’s adept handling of character relationships that draw the audience in and make them feel invested in the characters’ lives.

AN IMMERSIVE AND ENJOYABLE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE IN A CHARMING, HISTORIC SETTING

While at times the performance teeters towards theatricality rather than complete immersion, the overall execution is commendable. The blend of sentimentality, humour, and poignant messages about body image and ageing resonates effectively with the audience.

Terry Parsons’ visionary set design enhances the production’s thematic elements, such as a calendar motif with spotlights creatively indicating the progression of events through highlighting the respective months. The attention to detail to several elements of the set-design as such added depth and visual appeal to the storytelling.

Among the attendees, many were familiar faces returning to The Mill, which is a testament to the theatre’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and captivating performances that engage all the senses, from sight to taste. The experience extends beyond the stage, offering patrons a delightful two-course meal at the picturesque theatre by the Thames. The opportunity to enjoy beautiful river views and a drink at the historic Waterwheel bar before, during intermission, and after the show further enriches the overall outing.

Calendar Girls at The Mill at Sonning is a delightful escapade, perfect for enjoying a wholesome theatre production alongside great dining and scenic surroundings. It’s a wonderful choice for a memorable day out, offering an immersive and enjoyable theatrical experience in a charming, historic setting.

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Photo Credit: Andreas Lambis