GARY BARLOW TAKES LEEDS BY SURPRISE AT THE GRAND THEATRE
Take That star Gary Barlow gave Leeds a rare treat last night (Monday 16th November) when he took to the stage for the curtain call of his new musical The Girls which is currently having its world premier at Leeds Grand Theatre until December 12th.
Barlow, with his childhood friend Tim Firth – the writer of both the film and play The Calendar Girls – joined the cast as they took their bows much to the audiences delight. After thanking the cast and the Leeds audiences he lead a rousing rendition of the Show’s opening number, simply titled ‘Yorkshire’.
“The atmosphere in the auditorium was electric,” said Producer David Pugh. “The audience were already giving a standing ovation and when Gary and Tim came on there was an uproarious cheer!”
At the end of the anthemic show number, the original Calendar Girls also took to the stage to great applause. The show has received standing ovations at each performance so far though whether Gary is due to appear again remains a mystery.
David concludes: “Gary and Tim enjoyed it very much so you never know.”
The Girls is a brand new musical based on the true story of the Yorkshire Women’s Institute who appeared nude, but for carefully placed buns, teapots and other such props, for a calendar back in 2000. The calendar was an immediate success and the women took the world by storm spawning a film and award-winning play, both of which were written by Tim Firth.
This musical comedy shows the women’s life in a Yorkshire village, how the story began, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters and how a group of ordinary women achieved something extraordinary.
The Girls is making its world premier at Leeds Grand theatre until Saturday 12th December
Tickets are still available priced from £10 to £45
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700