Bill Kenwright´s new production of the Gary Barlow and Tim Firth show Calendar Girls The Musical which is heading back out on tour in 2024 with some new cast members and a newly re-imagined book and music.

Based on a true story, and also made into a hit movie , The story of the Calendar Girls began in 1998 when John Baker, husband of Angela Baker, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.John sadly passed away after just a few months of treatment, but in the months following their loss, Angela and her friends set about creating the now infamous calendar as something for Angela to focus on and, also, to prove John wrong – he said they’d never do it!

Through the sale of calendars, the group aimed to raise enough to buy a new sofa for the hospital where John was treated and were amazed when the calendar attracted international press attention. 

Over the years they have raised millions for Bloodwise (formerly Lymphoma & Lymphoma Research), the blood cancer charity they have been long associated with.

The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record-breaking movie starring Helen Mirren, stage play and now a musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow which coined the term ‘craughing' – the act of crying and laughing at the same time.

With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

First casting news for the 2024 leg of the tour is that it will include Laurie Brett (EastEnders)/Annie, Helen Pearson (Hollyoaks)/Celia, Samantha Seager (Coronation Street)/Chris, Maureen Nolan (The Nolans, Blood Brothers)/Ruth, Lyn Paul (The New Seekers, Blood Brothers)/Jessie and Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War)/Cora who are joined by Liz Carney (Marie), Colin R Campbell (John), Andrew Tuton (Rod), Jayne Ashley and Victoria Hay.

The show is written by Tim Firth (Kinky Boots) and Take That’s Gary Barlow,It will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and the new production will also feature designs by Gary McCann, lighting by Nick Riching and musical direction by Jordan Alexander.