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The story of the calendar that spawned hundreds of imitations will be brought to life on stage in Warkworth next month. And while cast members of the Warkworth Theatre Group will be getting their kit off as part of the show, they will also be raising much-needed funds for Harbour Hospice.
The story of the Calendar Girls started in a village in Yorkshire in 1998, when Angela Baker’s husband John was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. When he passed away, Angela and her Women’s Institute friends set about creating the now infamous nude calendar as something for Angela to focus on.
Through the sale of their calendars, the group had hoped to raise enough money to buy a new sofa for the hospital where John was treated. But their fundraiser became an international media event and they have now raised millions for the blood cancer charity Blood Cancer UK.
Warkworth show director Richard Hutchinson says Tim Firth’s play Calendar Girls is a wonderful, poignant story told with great humour.
“Most of us can relate to the loss of a family member or friend through cancer and this is a wonderfully uplifting story that takes us on a journey about how we can grow and celebrate those around us,” Hutchinson says.
“As always, it is great to work with a talented local cast and crew. I am especially pleased that we are joining forces with Harbour Hospice and 10 per cent of all ticket sales will go towards purchasing equipment for Tui House in Warkworth.”
Hospice fundraiser Emily Thomas says hospice is delighted to be the theatre group’s charity of choice.
“The demand for hospice services continues to increase, which is why fundraising events like these are so incredibly vital to the Warkworth and Wellsford community,” she says.
There will be a gala opening night at the Warkworth Town Hall on April 26, which will be held in conjunction with Harbour Hospice and will include raffles and other fundraising activities.
Then there will be evening performances on various dates from April 27 to May 4, with matinees on April 28 and May 4, starting at 2pm.
Tickets are available from the Mahurangi Matters office, 17 Neville Street, during normal business hours.
Info: www.wwtheatre.co.nz
