Clara Cosh-Escott has an idea she wants to run past her fellow cast members in BATS’ production of Calendar Girls - The Musical. “I’ve been thinking of treating myself to a little sunflower tattoo and it would be great if we all got one to commemorate the show! It’s something I need to raise with the ladies. I’m sure some of them would be up for it!”
Clara plays the role of Celia
Sunflowers play an important role in the real-life story of the Yorkshire WI women who stripped off for a charity calendar hoping to raise a few hundred pounds for cancer research - only for their story to make global headlines and net millions more in donations.
“I play Celia, a wonderful well-to-do lady’” says Clara. “She’s been jet setting all over the world as an air hostess, but she’s now snagged a rich husband who’s whisked her back to Yorkshire.”
“She spends her days playing golf but doesn’t really fit in with the golf club ladies. However she really enjoys the company of the ladies at the WI!”
Clara has also been practising a new skill for her role.
“I’m learning how to hula hoop! But I can’t say why - you’ll have to come and watch to find out!”
So how does Clara feel about taking part in the famous scene where the ladies are photographed unclothed, with various props artfully “protecting their modesty”?
“At this stage, with a few weeks to go, the prospect is absolutely terrifying, but we’re building up to it gradually in rehearsal and I know we’ll all have each other’s backs!”
But for Clara, Calendar Girls is about much more than ‘that scene’.
“If you’ve experienced grief, you will relate to this show. If you’re someone who’s ever felt outside a social group and doesn’t fit in, you will relate to this show. If you have a nice close-knit circle of friends who will get you through anything, you will relate to this show.”
“It’s got that warm Yorkshire feel to it that will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes!”
BATS’ production of Calendar Girls runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 17-21st November. View show information and book tickets.