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Calendar Girls The Musical opens this week at Ilkley Playhouse

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 07:40

Calendar Girls The Musical, 22 April - 2nd May

The opening night of Calendar Girls The Musical is this Wednesday, 22 April, at Ilkley Playhouse.

Written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, the play is based on the true story that inspired the smash-hit 2003 film. When Annie loses her husband to leukaemia, her best friend Chris wants to honour his memory and raise money for a new settee on the ward where he was treated.

In yet another dull WI meeting, she’s struck by a brilliant and slightly outrageous idea that leads them to convincing the women of the WI to pose for tasteful, creative and ‘nude, not naked’ calendar. What starts as a humble act, quickly becomes a national sensation and a journey of laughter, tears and self-discovery that none of them expected.

With stunning music from Gary Barlow and a heartfelt script by Tim Firth, this moving story doesn’t pretend these women are fearless. Instead Calendar Girls The Musical celebrates what happens when you show up for the people you love in the toughest of times with strength, friendship and a bit of Yorkshire grit.

With Take That, Gary Barlow has written and co-written fourteen Number one singles, has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is a six times Ivor Novello Award winner. Tim Firth has won the Olivier Award and UK Theatre Award for Best New Musical and the British Comedy Awards Best Comedy Film for Calendar Girls.

This heart-warming and memorable piece of theatre runs from 22 April until Saturday 2 May. There will be a signed performance in British Sign Language for the second matinee on Saturday 2 May.

Tickets are available via www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.

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