Bare to be different

DROP everything — including your pants — and make a date to see the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society’s

Calendar Girls in the flesh next week A quirky, feel-good comedy about friendship, determination and hope that explores themes of ageing, guilt, grief and gratitude,

Calendar Girls is based on the inspiring true story of a group of Yorkshire women who bare all — or nearly all — for charity, and become international celebrities in the process.

The unlikely story unfolds when Annie and Chris agree to raise the money needed to buy a new couch for the local hospital waiting room, where they have spent many uncomfortable hours.

Annie, Chris and their friends decide to create a charity calendar, with the middle-aged women of their village starring as nude models.

Director Nicholas Lahey has recruited a large ensemble cast to bring Calendar Girls to life, including Fransina Kennedy, Sarah Phillips, Lillie McNamara, Judy McDavitt, Pip Tyrrell and Annie Harvey as the women who dare to bare.

They are joined on stage by Anne Cordiner, Leigh Faulkner, Michael Hanlon, Matt Reynolds, Jill Holloway, Treen French, Chloe Harle and Ben Armitage.

“The clever script charts wonderful ‘ordinary’ characters achieving the extraordinary, discovering insecurities, hidden truths and plenty of revelations — in more ways than one,” Lahey says.

“Like lots of quality British drama, Calendar Girls shifts rapidly from the comic to the poignant, delicately balancing the light and shade.

“It is infused with witty word exchange, stinging remarks and classic visual humour.” Hobart Rep presents Calendar

Girls at the Playhouse Theatre in Bathurst St from October 26November 10, with performances at 8pm Wednesday-Saturday, plus afternoon matinees on November 4 and November 10. Tickets are $33, $30 concession, for bookings phone 6234 5998 or go to www.centertainment.com.au