Inspired by the real Calendar Girls, the team at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, have created their very own charity calendar to raise money for Bloodwise.
To celebrate Calendar Girls the Musical coming to Dartford in March, staff, volunteers and even members of the theatre’s award-winning choir stripped off for this special photoshoot with photographer Fiona Bond. The calendar features pictures taken around the theatre starring the people who work at the venue each day, from the front of house staff to the backstage technical team.
The group follow in the footsteps of the Rylstone and District Women’s Institute almost 20 years after the alternative calendar was first launched. It has since raised almost £5 million for Bloodwise, the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity.
Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and the third biggest cause of UK cancer deaths – taking more lives each year than breast or prostate cancer. Even for those who survive, the long-term effects of treatment can be devastating.
Jamie Leadbeatter, Sales & Marketing Manager for the theatre, led the project. He said: “Everyone at the venue was excited for the show and we have a lot of fans of the film so I thought it would be a good idea. It is a great way to make money for charity as well as shouting about this brilliant show coming to Dartford.
“I’m so proud of everyone who took part for being brave and baring all! I’m impressed with the results thanks to our fantastic local photographer, Fiona Bond. We also need to extend our thanks to Adverset who did the design for the calendar free of charge. Everyone involved has been very generous and supportive.”
The calendar will be on sale directly from The Orchard Theatre’s website at 8am on Friday 7 December. Only a limited run of 250 calendars are available. It lands just a few months before Calendar Girls the Musical comes to Dartford, starring Fern Britton, Anna-Jane Casey, Sara Crowe, Karen Dunbar, Ruth Madoc, Rebecca Storm and Denise Welch. Created by Take That’s Gary Barlow and Olivier Award-winning writer Tim Firth, the production has been touring the UK since August to rave reviews.
Calendar Girls the Musical will be at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 16 March 2019. To purchase your very own calendar or to book tickets for Calendar Girls the Musical, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.
