PUBLISHED March 3rd, 2017 07:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 03:01 pm
The Stage Club, Singapore’s longest-running amateur theatre group, kicks off its 2017 season with a production of Calendar Girls, a delightful comedic drama based on a true story about the triumph of all that is good in human nature, overcoming some of the worst things fate can throw at it.
Annie and Chris are close friends. When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and her best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI (Women’s Institute) members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer. The result? A tastefully nude calendar featuring themselves doing ordinary chores.
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 newfound fame.
Susan Penrice Tyrie, who directed the same play in 2012, directs stage Club’s production. The original play was set, for the most part, in a small town in Yorkshire. Will the Stage Club production follow the same setting? That remains to be seen. With an international cast, of varying age and background, each actor will make their role their own – not only within their part but within a tight community.
To find out more, we interview two cast members of Calendar Girls: Dee Allen and Jane Grafton.
Which characters do you play in Calendar Girls?
Dee: My character is called Ruth.
Jane: The character I play is Chris Harper, best friend to Annie and the character who loves being the centre of attention!
What drew you to this particular role?
Dee: I was drawn to Ruth because she reminded me of myself in some ways! The team-playing peacekeeper, a reluctant exhibitionist. I love how her vulnerability contrasts with the unveiling of her strength, literally. She’s quite empowering.
Jane: In many ways, I wasn’t naturally drawn to this role, although it is very exciting to have such a colourful and lively part. What I do find interesting is the role offers huge potential to explore human nature. There is a myriad of ways one can subtly convey the nuances of life’s ups and downs – change the emphasis on a word or even syllable and it changes the whole way a scene unfolds. I find that fascinating and a valuable insight into real life. The part of Chris really opens up those opportunities as she interacts with nearly all the other characters.
What has the rehearsal process been like?
Dee: Rehearsals are just gold! To be surrounded by such amazing women from all over the world is really something. There is an entire concoction of laughter, focus, creativity, vulnerability, bravery, strength, weakness and cheekiness all coming out during rehearsals. I think we are all very lucky to be having this moment together on this project. Not forgetting our fabulous Director Susie, who has showered her magic to bring out the depth in each character.
Is this the first time you have performed with the Stage Club?
Dee: I’ve performed with Stage Club before, primarily in a singing capacity. This is my first time acting, as opposed to singing, in a Stage Club production.
Jane: It’s my tenth production with the Stage Club. The first was in 2002 when I went along to an audition for a laugh and found myself in the female version of The Odd Couple.
What particular challenges did you have to face as an actress in this production?
Jane: In the previous Stage Club presentation of Calendar Girls, I played the role of Jessie, which felt closer to whom I am in real life – heavier, slower, more serious, quieter and more aged! The director challenged me to explore a lighter, more fun-loving, party girl character who has no hesitation in speaking her mind. That has taken me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to let go and be open to the moment.
I teach mindfulness and it’s a great example of living in the present moment! The conflict scenes have been particularly enlightening. I usually prefer a calmer life, so expressing emotion in a more lively, spontaneous and hopefully convincing way has been good for me!
Why should the public in Singapore come to see Calendar Girls?
Jane: It’s fun to watch. It’s relevant and deals with real life. It also carries a message of optimism – something we could all use right now. It’s a lighthearted reminder that the genuine people around us and of course us ourselves, are capable of amazing stuff.
Calendar Girls is running 8 to 12 March 2017 at SOTA. Tickets are priced at $22, $37, $42, available via SISTIC. For more details, check out The Stage Club website here.