Celebrating its 40th year of operation in 2024, Grafton’s Criterion Theatre is preparing for its 2nd big show – “Calendar Girls the Musical”. Adapted from the film of the same name by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, this musical version by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth promises to be a hoot.
“Calendar Girls” follows the very popular Rock’n’Roll High Tea and a sell-out season of “Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” which showcased the talents of young and old. Due to some occasional language and suggested nudity, this production is rated PG.
“Calendar Girls The Musical” is a coup for Grafton, as the Criterion production will mark the Australian premiere of this show following successful seasons on London’s West End. Kate Joseph, who will appear in the show, was instrumental in securing this opportunity for our local community of stellar performers. It will see her team up once more with Mark Conaghan following their previous local collaborations on other contemporary musicals “If/Then” and “Next to Normal“. “Calendar Girls “tells the story of a women’s community organisation who raise money for their local hospital by artfully posing nude for their annual calendar. Directed by Mark Conaghan and Angela Clarke, the show is a heart-warming story filled with gorgeous songs.
Due to some occasional language and suggested nudity, this production is rated PG.
Opening night for “Calendar Girls”, Wednesday August 7th, is being planned as a fund-raiser for the Oncology Unit at Grafton Base Hospital. Proceeds from the raffle on the night, as well as a portion of ticket sales, will be donated to the Unit for the purchase of new digital observation machines.
“Calendar Girls” runs from August 7 to 11 and includes both a Saturday and a Sunday matinée.
Tickets go on sale from Friday July 5 online at HUMANITIX and at Buckley’s Music in Prince St Grafton for cash sales.
As is customary at the Criterion, this show is table seating with BYO drinks and nibblies.
For more information, go the Criterion website criteriontheatre.org.au or by searching on HUMANITIX.