Theatre group ready for authentic production of Calendar Girls
13/05/2026
“We’ve done a lot of rehearsing and of practicing, in particular for that scene, to make sure that it’s going to look really effective”
Ladies from Adderbury Theatre Workshop (ATW) are preparing to bare all this evening as the group takes to the stage with its latest production.
In their fiftieth anniversary year ATW will be performing Calendar Girls, the story of a group of Yorkshire Women’s Institute members who decide to create a nude calendar to raise money for charity, after a friend’s husband died from cancer.
It’s a huge undertaking for the group and the first time they have taken on a play of this scale. The group’s Chair, Karen Dwyer, who is an original member of ATW, suggested Calendar Girls. The initial enthusiasm from members was followed by some trepidation, but regular rehearsals have ensured the eight ladies who will take on the seven key roles over the next few nights are ready.
All will be true to the story with their blushes spared by strategically placed vases, fruit bowls and other props.
Alison Heath is one of those taking part. She said: “The first time that we did the key scene there was quite a bit of nervousness. Once we all got into the part, into character, and had done it once or twice then those nerves got better over the weeks.
“Coming up now to opening night, there’s a bit more of those nerves creeping back in again, hoping things are going to work.
“It’s a very strategic operation – very carefully planned like a military operation. Things are wheeled into place and objects are strategically placed – it’s making sure that all those things happen on the night. We’ve done a lot of rehearsing and of practicing, in particular for that scene, to make sure that it’s going to look really effective.”
Performances will take place at Adderbury Institute from tonight until Saturday. The evening shows have sold out and just a few tickets remain for the Friday and Saturday matinees.
Calendar Girls is one of a series of productions ATW have planned to mark their special anniversary. In January they were on stage with their annual pantomime and will be back with an original take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol later in the year, and a cabaret in 2027.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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