The Mill at Sonning, Reading – until 1st June 2024
Reviewed by Marcia Spiers
4****
Directed by Sally Hughes this amusing but emotional play by Tim Firth is based on a true story and much-acclaimed 2003 film which had an all-star cast. Set in Yorkshire, it follows the antics of a group of women who belong to a local Women’s Institute. When one loses her beloved husband to leukaemia, she and her best friend decide to raise funds for the local hospital by creating a calendar featuring themselves in tastefully chosen nude poses. As expected, not all in the upstanding community are supportive of the idea but as time evolves, the group achieve celebrity status both locally and around the world.
Elizabeth Elvin gives a solid performance as Marie the haughty leader of the WI. The main cast – Rachel Fielding as Chris, the ballsy ambitious friend of Annie played by Natalie Ogle who admirably depicted the emotions associated with a close bereavement. I particularly liked the performances from Sarah Whitlock as Jessie who has some brilliant lines which made everyone chuckle and Ciara Johnson as Ruth the downtrodden wife who grows throughout the events that take place. Debbie Arnold as Cora the rebel with insecurities and Basienka Blake as Celia provides the glamour. Finally, Dawn Perllman as Brenda Hulse and Lady Cravenshire, distinct parts executed well.
I must credit the men here! Andrew Ryan in the role of John Clark, Annie’s husband who quickly deteriorates after his diagnosis. One could feel the emotion within his performance. Steven Pinder gives a sound performance as the Chris’s husband struggling with a business that is failing and without the support of his wife feels very much alone.
Oscar Cleaver makes his debut as initially reluctant Lawrence the photographer and then in contrast the jack the lad advertising producer Liam. I really liked the way he played Lawrence. Kitty Harris also plays two parts as Elaine and then Heather the young blond bimbo from the local spa where she shines.
Clever use of set and props enabled us to feel the open spaces of the Yorkshire Dales and a local village hall much like mine. The photography scene was well orchestrated, and costumes varied. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this play. It certainly made the audience laugh aloud at times and yet the sadness behind the story was much conveyed.