WHEN two theatre societies, RDS (Ruislip Dramatic Society) and the Argosy Players, were both granted a licence to perform Calendar Girls – Tim Firth’s comedy about a village WI’s fundraising take on the classic Pirelli calendar – it was clear there could be challenges ahead.

Representatives from the two groups met and decided on a unique solution. Each company would present its own individual interpretation of the play with a director, cast and crew from their own group, creating the unique opportunity for people to see not one but two different productions of this incredible play over consecutive weeks at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham.

RDS chairman Zoe Iggulden explained: “It seemed the obvious thing to do. That way it gave both societies the chance to stage a hugely popular production and, in addition, raise money for some very worthy causes.”

Following on from the huge success of the 2003 film starring Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Penelope Wilton and a host of other female stars taking their clothes off for a photo shoot, Calendar Girls the play has been taking theatres by storm.

Based on an uplifting true story that is both hilarious and poignant, the show has become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history and is continuing to produce full houses across the country.

However, it’s a piece that brings a unique set of challenges and, curiously, not all of them focused on getting a certain number of ladies to bare all – however tastefully – on stage.

In order to demonstrate the fact that the action takes place over several months, RDS director Chris Bird has required full costume changes for each new season (the play is themed along the changing calendar year)

The group has set up a JustGiving page to mark the event, and all money raised from takings and stalls will go to The Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood.

Argosy Players staged Calendar Girls at The Compass from Wednesday to Saturday last week – see review below.

RDS presents its version of the play at the theatre from tonight (Wednesday) until Saturday at 7.45pm, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm. Call 01895 673 200 for tickets, or book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk.