St Catherine’s Hospice: Calendar Girls bare all at The Capitol

Calendar Girls bare all at The Capitol for St Catherines

“To unexplored horizons in the mind and new coastlines in the heart…”

After the roaring success of The Naked Truth back in 2018, Fortress Theatre Company are back for their biggest challenge yet!

Having raised £1,500 for Cancer Research with their last production, Fortress will be taking on yet another fundraising adventure, Calendar Girls The Musical – this time in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice, a charity that is very close to the company’s heart with lots of connections to its members.

The musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies from a Women’s Institute, who decide to embark on a unique project to raise money and buy a settee for the relatives’ room in their local hospital, in memory of a beloved husband and friend.

The project in question? A NUDE Calendar!

Through this moving and hilarious story, the ladies challenge various preconceptions, facing personal and emotional challenges which are ultimately outshone by the uplifting experience of stepping outside their comfort zones, and brings each woman unexpectedly into flower. With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and proves that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

Fortress have already begun their rehearsals along with a cast of amazing local talent and are working hard to bring nothing short of an outstanding production to Horsham town. It’s set to be an unmissable event, which hopes to bring many people together through their love of musical theatre, while raising lots of money for such a worthy cause! This project would not have been possible without funding from some of the cast themselves and the support of special local sponsors. Fortress would like to thank Friesland Campina, Musical Friends, ASL and Beauty by Emma for showing such generosity and belief in this exciting venture. Thanks also goes out to HAODS (Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society) and Warnham Comrades Club for hosting rehearsal space for the production. Calendar Girls The Musical will be performed at The Capitol Theatre in Horsham from 21st-25th February 2023, with 50% of profits being donated to St Catherine’s Hospice – a local charity that helps people who are facing lifeshortening conditions to live in comfort and with dignity, independence, and choice.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via The Capitol website www.thecapitolhorsham.com and box office (01403) 750220. Stacey James Photo:Chris Dale