Calendar Girls the musical (was: The Girls)

I think a UK tour is definitely the way to go with this show.

Saw this last night. I thought the first act was a bit of a snooze, but the second act was fun and energetic. This, of course, is the plot of the story- so is difficult to get around. I did notice a few people leaving at the interval.

I enjoyed the show more than I thought I would. I do feel this show will be a very successful UK tour, but is a bit too lackluster for the typical West End audience- meaning there weren't any real stand out songs or WOW moments. Also, the Yorkshire emphasis started grating on me about halfway through the first act...we get it. It's set in Yorkshire.

I imagine the Upper Circle may be closed tonight judging by the ATG website and the amount of tickets available in the Stalls and Dress and the Upper is probably half full, if that.

Also, when did they change the ends of rows in the Stalls to £29? I didn't think it was that before?

Upper circle closed at the matinee today. Back few rows of the dress are empty too.

Shame really, as this is a lovely show (first time I've seen it). But it seems to have limited demographic appeal. Even compared to a usual weekday matinee, the audience are older, and about 80% older women in groups.

This is miles better than Neverland in my view. Hadn't expected to enjoy it so much.

Understudy for Ruth was on, otherwise full cast. I wouldn't have guessed she was the understudy. The only thing that gave it away (besides the posters saying Ruth's understudy was on, obviously) was how different the "sisters" then looked from each other, and the fact she struggled a little to get the highest notes in her song about vodka. But otherwise, she was great, could do the part permanently with no problem.

I really enjoyed this. Found the script very touching and funny. Enough decent songs to hope for a cat recording.

Riding and Moore both excellent.

Don't think a date has been released yet for the cast recording...or did I miss it?

They are recording it this week.

That is a very good question.

I honestly think one of the reasons why this isn't selling is because the Barlow fan group won't buy into it. With Neverland I guess it was different as Barlow fans are primarily located in Britain so going to New York would always be hard, but with The Girls it seems to be different. Looking at social media, the Take That/Barlow fans praise the show, but I wonder how many have been/want to go. With regard to a tweet about the cast album, many were expecting Barlow to be on the album as a bonus as a given, I saw one tweet that expected it to be Gary Barlow more or less singing the score, not the actual cast. Could they be pretending to like/have seen the show in hope of being noticed by Mr Barlow, when in reality many don't go because they are aware their precious Gary won't actually be seen in the theatre?

All of the above.

They went to the early shows as he was there.

They are now following the Take That tour and will then go onto The Band.

I think we're safely assuming this will tour, post West End. I wonder if they will stick with a MT cast or bring in some 'celebs'. It would be great if at least some of the current cast toured with it.

I can imagine Debbie Chazen staying on, and there are some names/mt names they could cast. I do have a list (although not all are northern ladies)

Bonnie Langford - Annie
Rebecca Thornhill - Chris
Jodie Prenger - Cora
Tracey Ann Oberman - Celia
Lin Blakley - Jessie