At its best musical theatre can achieve truth and reality eluding conventional drama.

Calendar Girls, about WI women making a fundraising nude calendar in memory of a much-loved man, is a case in point. There is sorrow before joy. It is logistically and emotionally challenging.

Haslemere Players passed with flying colours. Tony Creasey was deeply moving as John, whose death from cancer triggers it. Helen Andrews was pitch-perfect as his wife Annie. Joanna Weller brought Annie’s friend Chris to annoying but lovable life. And WI ladies Dawn Stephens, Nikki Plowman, Jude Perrett and Rachael Rhodes found the courage to bare all in a good cause.

David Greenwood