July's play reading announced - Calendar Girls & Season's Greetings

Our first play reading this year is at the WI hut, Bingham and will split into 2 sections.

We'll have a read of part of "Calendar Girls" by Tim Firth, a play based on the true story of a group of extraordinary women who bare all in the name of friendship and charity and also was the basis for the 2003 film with Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. This will be a relaxed and entertaining reading of this much-loved play, where you’ll meet the spirited ladies of the Knapeley Women’s Institute as they band together to do something a little unconventional—and a lot inspiring.

Calendar Girls

After Annie’s husband dies of leukemia, her close-knit circle of WI friends decides to raise money for the local hospital. Their idea? A nude calendar featuring the women themselves, tastefully posed and full of personality. What starts as a quirky plan quickly becomes a national sensation, bringing challenges, media attention, and moments of self-discovery. The story is full of warmth, wit, and a celebration of friendship, resilience, and everyday bravery.

We will also have a read of part of "Season's Greetings" by Alan Ayckbourn.

Step into the wonderfully chaotic world of a very British family Christmas. This darkly funny festive comedy follows the dysfunctional goings-on at Neville and Belinda’s house, where relatives descend for the holidays—and things quickly spiral into farce. Packed with misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and malfunctioning puppets, it’s Christmas as you’ve never seen it before.

Season's Greetings

As the booze flows and tempers fray, long-held tensions bubble to the surface. Add in a flirtatious writer guest, a disastrous puppet show, and a toy gun that might actually go off, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a festive gathering gone hilariously wrong. Ayckbourn’s masterful script combines biting wit with brilliant character observations, capturing the chaos and comedy of family life during the holidays. 

Play readings are very much open to all members (as well as potential members). The aim is to enjoy a read with one eye to what we might produce in the future including this November's play.

See the events page to register.