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 as a memorial. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute (a society club focused on homemaking skills) members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from 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, United Kingdom. The calendar is a success, but the woman now face a strain on their friendships, marriages, and their new found self image.

Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund in the late 1990s.

• Video submissions are due by 11/29 at 11:59 PM

• Callbacks will occur by invitation only on 12/1 at 7:00 PM

• Full Rehearsal and Performance Schedule

Please disregard previous casting decisions from other productions as well as the film version in an effort to embrace a new production. Theater West End is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion of our diverse communities and invites and welcomes all to share in the creative process. The character breakdown will indicate the age, ethnicity, gender identity, and ability only if required by the context of the material.

This story is an unabashed and empowered celebration of our physical forms. No exposed nudity is required for the production. The roles of Chris, Annie, Cora, Jessie, Celia, and Ruth have scenes in which they are undressed but masked by props. Skin colored undergarments will also be available for additional coverage options. The director, intimacy coordinator, and entire production team are committed to a respectful, professional environment that delivers this story authentically while supporting the comfortability of each performer.

CHRIS - 40s-50s. Female Identifying. You want Chris at your party. She will talk to people she doesn’t know, and infect all those around her with her comedic wit. Chris is at home in crowds, holding court, and being the centre of attention. Without Chris in her life, Annie would be better behaved, but her life less fun. Currently her life as a florist and wife do not allow for all the oxygen she needs.

ANNIE - 40s-50s. Female Identifying. Annie will join in mischief but is at heart more conformist and less confrontational than Chris. She has enough edge to be interesting, and enough salt not to be too sweet. Her life is simple but complete. Despite her inner strength, the color of her world disappears with the unexpected death of her husband, John.

CORA - 40s-50s. Female Identifying. White. Cora’s past is the most eclectic, her horizons broadened by having gone to college. This caused a tectonic shift with her more parochial parents. She came back to them pregnant but Cora has too much resilience to be downtrodden. Her wit is deadpan. Her identity is trapped in feelings of disappointment to her religious family as a single mom. Ability to play the piano and carry a tune is a plus.

JESSIE - late 50s-70s. Female Identifying. A former teacher, she is one to correct your grammar, stance, and decorum. Never out of maliciousness, more based in "that's just how things are done." As the oldest member of the WI, she appreciates the properness of the club, but don't let that fool you as she has a few unexpected zingers up her sleeve.

CELIA - 30s-40s. Female Identifying. A woman more at home in a department store than a church hall, she always feels like she’s drifted in from another world. Slightly younger than the other women of WI, she feels like she has nothing to lose by joining this club, and it turns out she has a lot to learn and even more to share including her energetic spirit.

RUTH - 40s. Female Identifying. Ruth is eager to please all those around her including Marie, the head of the WI Chapter, and especially her husband. He is demanding and self-centered which causes Ruth to find comfort as an accommodating push over. Through discovering her husband's affair and the empowerment of the calendar, Ruth ascends her second stage of life with her as the star.

MARIE - 50-60s. Female Identifying. The head of the WI Chapter and therefore her entire existence. There is a lingering part of Marie that would love to be on that calendar, but she is not capable of removing her decades of compliance on what is proper.

JOHN - 40s-50s. Male Identifying. Annie's Husband. John is a human sunflower. When he dies it feels like someone somewhere turned a light off.

ROD - 40s-50s. Male Identifying. Chris's Husband. A bloke often found in the pub, he too has watched his life unfold into something missing electricity. He can give back what he gets though, and has a deadpan humour which has always made Chris laugh.

LAWRENCE - late 20s-30s. Male Identifying. A hesitant and a bit shy young man with enough wit to make a joke and enough spirit to turn up at the WI hall in the first place. When he arranges the shots he is close to female nudity but sees only the photo. He has the eye of an artist despite the day time job of a hospital porter. Role may be combined with the same actor portraying Liam.

LIAM - late 20s-30s. Male Presenting. He is loud, direct, and self focused. A photo shoot director focused on getting the job done which would be easier if other people were not involved. Role may be combined with the same actor portraying Lawrence.

LADY CRAVENSHIRE - 60s. Female Presenting. Never one to have a hair out of place or a teacup without a doily under it. She is the epitome of prim and proper and a living example of the ways in which a WI woman should conduct herself. Performer also will play Brenda Hulse-a cameo role who delivers a presentation about broccoli.

ELAINE - 20s-30s. Female Presenting. A beautician focused on herself. She is having an affair with Ruth's husband. A cameo role in one scene.