Watergate Theatre Collective presents Calendar Girls by Tim Firth from 22nd – 25th July. We look forward to bringing the spirit of this inspiring and uplifting story to life on the Watergate stage. Directed by Christine Scarry, and with a talented cast of 14 performers, this fresh staging promises laughter, tears and a heartfelt celebration of friendship, community, and courage.
The Cast
Chris – Claire Henriques
Annie – Dee Gibney
Ruth – Nancy Rochford Flynn
Jessie – Paula Drohan
Celia – Sarah Brennan
Cora – Sophie Blaney Parslow
Marie – Kevina Hayes
John – Fergal Millar
Rod – Peter Madden
Lawrence – Owen Finnegan
Liam – Ben Nunan
Brenda – Maeve Tierney
Lady Cravenshire – Mary O’ Brien
Elaine – Katherine Hession
The production includes set-design by John O’ Donoghue, lighting design by Colm Eaton and the production management and stage management skills of Sarah Brennan and Nicola Brennan. Tickets can be purchased at watergatetheatre.com or through the box office on 056 7761674.
For the 2026 production, Watergate Theatre has teamed up with Cois Nore to give customers the option to support Cois Nore by making a donation of any amount when completing their booking.
The Story
When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.
