A charity production of the hit musical and motion picture of Calendar Girls is to take to the stage in Cirencester to raise money for two cancer charities.

The whole of the cast having been affected by or suffered with cancer.

The amateur production, from Tinkco, who are returning to The Barn Theatre in November, are hoping for a sell-out run of the show.

The musical, by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, is based on the true story of a group of WI ladies who feature themselves in a nude calendar to raise money for cancer causes after one of the wives suffer the loss of her husband to leukaemia. A tragic story, which is all too common now, with cancer affecting one in two people.

The cast all have their own stories of family and friends who have suffered cancer, but some themselves have been personally affected.

Rachel Wright, playing Chris Harper - the driving force behind the crazy nude calendar idea - was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2018. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction, together with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Rachel confirmed that the reconstruction isn't perfect with a cheeky smile, resulting in "wonky, wobbly and wibbly bits," she said. "If you had asked me to pose naked for a photograph or appear naked on stage before my cancer, I would have struggled with the concept of not being perfect.

"As a 50-year-old survivor of cancer, I have a very different view, and I am now very proud of my lumps and bumps, not afraid to show who I really am. And this is the essence of the show and of these marvellous women, who bravely bared all, to raise money for cancer research."

Rachel is honoured to be playing Chris and also to take part in Tinkco's very own nude charity calendar, for which the group hope to raise money for both Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now.

Sue Ling Whiteley, who is playing the part of Celia, the non-conformist ex-air stewardess, said: "These days, most people are able to link cancer to a family member, friend or colleague. This beautifully written musical will touch the hearts of all who see it. But as much as it will touch your heart, it will also make your face ache with laughter and smiles."

But the musical is not only about raising money for charity. This incredible group of women also have their own personal struggles, something that, together, they overcome and grow.

Hilarious Tinkco member Lizzy Bean, who plays one of the funny Miss Wilson characters, said: "For me, this musical is all about the song Dare. We spend so much of our time limited by what we think we are, holding back because we are not good enough. We don't step into the light for fearing failure and embarrassment. But we only get one life. One life to experience, make memories and one life to enjoy.

"As a child, I lost my dad to cancer and also had a brush with PTSD. This taught me to strive for a life that feels good. I am a great believer in being an encourager of others.' Enthusiastic for life, Lizzy goes on to say that 'We all have a great capacity for being fabulous,' something the women of the Calendar Girls Musical all learn by striving to overcome their insecurities and pushing themselves beyond limits that they never thought possible."

Similarly, Andrew Richardson, who plays the sturdy character, Rod, husband to Chris Harper, said: "Rod has a line directed to Chris that says, Life is all about coping, fabulously, with terrible mistakes."

Andrew's mother suffered a great deal of mental health problems, which led him into a life of boarding school and foster parents. By 18, Andrew had hit an all-time low, feeling that life was not worth living. By 25, he was diagnosed with cancer. 'Now a father of five children with an amazing, beautiful wife and supportive friends, Andrew's message is never to give up. Echoed in the musical, Rod is a believer and a supporter of Chris and her many crazy ideas. Andrew is delighted to be able to bring these sentiments to life on the stage.

Calendar Girls the Musical is being performed at The Barn Theatre on Beeches Road in Cirencester from November 3rd to 6th at 7.30pm with an additional 2.30pm matinee performance on November 6th. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tinkco.co.uk 

Calendars can be purchased at the same web address, www.tinkco.co.uk and cost £10.00 with all profits being split between MacMillan and Breast Cancer Now. They will be available from November 3rd but can be pre-ordred now. You can arrange collection from Ingleside House next to the theatre, or these can be posted to you for £2.50. Calendars will also be available for sale at the show, or from Ingleside House.