Twenty-five years since the original calendar was produced, the story of a WI group from Yorkshire who decided to pose nude for charity is still delighting audiences. 

A deeply moving and spirit-raising portrayal of female friendship, grief and hope, the 2024 UK tour of Calendar Girls The Musical is a brand new production of the musical written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. 

Bringing together a fantastic cast of music, stage and television stars, Laurie Brett (EastEnders) and Samantha Seager (Coronation Street) take the lead as best friends Annie and Chris. 

Eastern Daily Press: The full cast of Calendar Girls The Musical The full cast of Calendar Girls The Musical (Image: Jack Merriman)When Annie's husband John dies of cancer, rebellious Chris comes up with the unorthodox idea of scrapping the usual teapot and jam calendar, instead combining the 'women' with the 'institute' and posing nude with these familiar items. 

Lyn Paul, Maureen Nolan, Helen Pearson, Liz Carney and Honeysuckle Weeks star as the other members of the group who agree to bare all in their attempt to raise funds for a new visitor settee in the hospital where John was treated. 

With a beautiful set doubling as the Methodist chapel hall and relatives room, the musical takes you from Annie's grief to the funny and uplifting female camaraderie of the group within seconds. 

The cast had great chemistry and each gave it their all, with brilliant individual performances. 

Eastern Daily Press: The cast had great chemistry and all gave fantastic performancesThe cast had great chemistry and all gave fantastic performances (Image: Jack Merriman)Seager is particularly excellent as mischievous Chris, bringing lots of energy to the production and a very strong vocal performance. Her uplifting solo Sunflower was a standout moment. 

This fantastic group of women have almost tempted me to join my local WI and the fact that they received a full standing ovation tells you all you need to know about this wonderful musical. 

Calendar Girls The Musical is running at Norwich Theatre Royal until April 6 with tickets still available.