Renfrewshire mums to perform in adaption of Calendar Girls

Catherine Usher and Maureen Todd will star in an adaption of the 2003 comedy based on the true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research charity.

Runway Theatre Company will stage six performances of the show, from Tuesday, May 3, to Saturday, May 7, at Eastwood Park Theatre, in Giffnock.
Mum-of-three Catherine, from Howwood, plays housewife Ruth.

The 53-year-old autism outreach teacher told The Gazette: “There is a song where everyone is trying to get up the courage to do the calendar and we all have to strip off from our dressing gowns and stand strategically behind objects such as watering cans and sewing machines, so we are discreetly covered.

“I don’t think I’m that worried about the nudity as, compared to when I was younger, I feel less self-conscious now.”

The cast of the new production of Calendar Girls

Mum-of-two Maureen, from Kilmacolm, takes on the role of Celia, a major’s wife.

The 52-year-old rheumatology specialist nurse said: “We’re thrilled to be back on stage after two years of Covid and rehearsals are going really well.

“I’m excited and also a bit scared about being nude on stage but I’m sure that, as long the items are big enough to cover us, we’ll be absolutely fine.”

The cast of the forthcoming production are also producing their own nude calendar, which will be sold at their shows, to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Catherine said: “My mum died from cancer about three years ago, after she got her diagnosis quite late on.

“I think our show has a quite empowering message, as well as fantastic singing, great drama and a lot of fun.”

Maureen added: “It’s a really funny and heartwarming show but it is also very poignant.”

For more details about the show or to book tickets, call 0141 577 4956 or visit ercultureandleisure.org/theatre.