Turnpike Community Theatre's production of Calendar Girls by Tim Firth invited the audience to laugh together, and, at times, quietly wipe away tears. Based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who dared to pose nude for a charity calendar, the play explores themes of grief, friendship, courage, and community spirit, all delivered with a generous dose of wit. In a heartfelt homage to the story itself, the cast created their own calendar in support of Wigan and Leigh Hospice, adding a genuine sense of generosity and purpose to the production.
Directed by Neil Gredecki, the production moved smoothly, with transitions that felt effortless, especially during set changes. The swift and seamless shifts between scenes allowed the emotional rhythm of the play to remain consistent and engaging throughout. The built set, with its cream and green walls, effectively transported the audience to various settings, from the familiar space of the Women's Institute, cleverly represented through props like a piano and folding chairs, to the outdoors, thanks to the use of back doors, side entrances, and a wooden hatch. Set design was by Richard Pilkington and Neil Gredecki, with stage management by Alexis Halls. Uniquely, Turnpike’s production required the stage to be rebuilt for each performance due to the building's layout, a testament to the team’s dedication and commitment to delivering a high-quality show night after night.
