Meet the Cast - Calendar Girls
The iconic true story of Calendar Girls is coming to Louth Riverhead Theatre this September, and with a fabulous local cast bringing the heart, humour and daring spirit of the Women’s Institute to life, it's set to be must-see. Based on the inspiring tale of a group of ordinary women who did something extraordinary for charity, this production promises laughter, tears, and plenty of Yorkshire grit.
First up is the ringleader of the gang, Chris, played by Debbie Appleyard, a new face to the Louth Playgoers. Chris is bold, brash, and brilliant, the kind of woman you want at any party. Holly Mapletoft is returning to the Louth stage playing the calm to Chris’s storm with the gentle and grounded Annie.
Next we have Cora and Jessie, played by Louth Playgoer regulars Cheryl Lamming and Janet West respectively. Fun fact about Janet is that she actually appeared in the last production of Calendar girls Louth Playgoer’s put on back in 2012. Cheryl’s character Cora is the joker of the pack and has the most eclectic past of the bunch, whereas Jessie is a teacher that if you get on the wrong side of her, you will probably regret it.
Louise Ray continues her first year with the Playgoers by starring in her third show since January, playing the role of Celia, a woman more at home in a department store than at a church. Another new face is Suzanne Lovelle, who will be bringing her talents to the role of Ruth, a woman who spends the show finding her voice and strength.
Adele Simpson comes back to the Riverhead Theatre after a few years to play the role of Marie, the self-appointed queen of the WI. This show is full of new faces, and the final new face is that of Gill Baxter who will be bringing the pomp and presence to the show with her role of Lady Cravenshire.
The last two women of the show are two women you may have seen in Vicar of Dibley, Taya White and Vikki Parker. Taya plays the young, and at times patronising, beautician Elaine, whilst Vikki plays Brenda Hulse, a visiting speaker to the WI who is less than inspiring on the subject of broccoli!
Finally, rounding up the cast, we have the men; Robbie Mapletoft, Michael Parker and Jonathan Janney-Cryans. All three are returning performers having all performed in multiple shows over the past decade. Robbie plays John, the reason for the whole play, a reminder of what the women were fighting for. Robbie not only has performed in the past, but also has directed on several occasions including ‘Allo ‘Allo and Joe Orton’s Loot. Michael plays Rod, Chris’s long-suffering but ever-supportive husband, the kind of man you want in your corner. Michael also recently appeared in Vicar of Dibley as the iconic stutterer No…No…No…Jim. And Jonathan plays the bashful photographer caught in the middle of a very un-WI photoshoot. Jonathan recently performed in And Then There Were None as the playboy Anthony Marston, but has also previously performed in Sense and Sensibility back in 2017.
This talented company, directed by a passionate all female team, is ready to bring the laughter, emotion and bold spirit of Calendar Girls to life on stage.
Don’t miss your chance to see it, book your tickets now for 9th–13th September at Louth Riverhead Theatre.
They dropped everything for a good cause. Come and see why.
FULL CAST LIST
Debbie Appleyard - Chris
Gill Baxter – Lady Cravenshire
Cheryl Lamming - Cora
Suzanne Lovelle - Ruth
Holly Mapletoft - Annie
Vikki Parker – Brenda Hulse
Louise Ray - Celia
Adele Simpson - Marie
Janet West - Jessie
Taya White - Elaine
Michael Parker - Rod
Robbie Mapletoft - John
Jonathan Janney-Cryans – Lawrence
