When Annie's husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolved to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room.
They managed to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer, Lawrence.
The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.
Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls is the fastest selling play in British theatre history.
The Priory Theatre's production was one of the first to open on the amateur stage and heralded the start of our 80th Season. Initially planned to run for 13 performances, an additional matinee performance was added to meet demand for this popular show.
The Gala Night was well attended by dignitaries from the local area, our Patron Dave Willetts, and the original Calendar Girl Angela Baker.
