Here Come the Girls: Mark your calendar for an unforgettable week of shows in Buncrana

With less than two weeks until they take to the stage of St Mary’s Hall, highly-acclaimed theatre company, Greasepaint Productions, is pulling out all the stops for this year’s performance of ‘Calendar Girls – The Musical’.

Rehearsals are almost complete, with a team of exceptionally talented individuals making up the forty-strong cast and crew.

Founded in 2008, Greasepaint Productions is the longest-established leading community theatre company in Inishowen, with no less than fourteen productions, including an Irish premiere ('Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure', 2022) and a runner-up trophy at the AIMS awards in 2010 ('The Wizard of Oz', 2009) under its belt.

The company is proud to continue inspiring and creating opportunities for its members, both adults and children, as well as entertaining and provoking emotion among local audiences, with ‘Calendar Girls – The Musical’ set to run at St Mary’s Hall in Buncrana from November 18-22.

The original film, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, was released in 2003 and musical adaptation The Girls, as it was originally called, written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, first opened in the West End in 2015.

The production team, which has been working diligently since April, believes this is their most emotionally charged production to date.

Given that this is based on a true story and real lives, it has created a connection right across the cast and crew because everyone involved has at some time or another experienced the death of a loved one through terminal illness.

The very real emotion of the story will be captured in what the team is confident will be the most authentic, honest, and sensitive production ever staged locally.

Donall Henderson, who is directing the musical, explained how he saw the show for the very first time when it premiered in London, and immediately decided that the true story of these remarkable and resilient women needed to be shared with local audiences – because he knew it would resonate with them.

Speaking about the production, Donall said: “I believe that Calendar Girls depicts the day-to-day challenges that life throws at these Yorkshire women. What makes it so special is how they overcome those challenges by the incredible support from their local community. The message of unity and resilience in the face of adversity is as strong today as it was then.”

He added: “We have an innate desire to tell this story with genuine human emotion, humility, empathy and understanding. We sincerely hope that the tremendous efforts of this exceptional cast and crew will do the story proud and that it will touch hearts in whatever way it is meant to do. You might laugh, you might cry, you will probably do both.”

Given the theme around terminal illness, a percentage of total ticket sales will be shared between both Donegal Hospice and Foyle Hospice.

READ NEXT: Moville's Little Stars pre-school celebrates 15 successful years in the community

‘Calendar Girls – The Musical’ will also see the return of a live band, with a big brass sound, distinctive to Yorkshire, and this will undoubtedly enhance the overall performance.

Noel Thompson returns as Musical Director, alongside resident Vocal Coach Louise Crossan. Caitriona Bradley continues at the helm as Creative Director, with Caroline Doherty as Wardrobe Supervisor. Front of House will be managed by Elaine Grant.

‘Calendar Girls – The Musical’ will be performed at St Mary’s Hall, Buncrana, from Tuesday 18^th November until Saturday 22^nd November at 7.30pm nightly. There will be no performance on Friday evening, and discretion is advised for children under 14. Tickets for all performances are €20 each, with a limited number of free wheelchair accessible spaces available.

All tickets for all performances are now available online via our dedicated ticket service: www.ticketsource.com/greasepaint-productions/

The Box Office at St Mary’s Hall will be open every evening from 7pm until 8pm if you’d like to purchase your tickets in person with cash payment. Card payments and telephone bookings via the Box Office will only be available from Saturday 8^th November.