Centre Stage Company in Haverhill to create naked calendar to boost £10,000 charity fund-raising target
As it prepares for its next dramatic production, Haverhill’s Centre Stage Company is also setting about raising £10,000 for charity - with a naked calendar one of the numerous fund-raisers planned.
The company’s performance of Calendar Girls: The Musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and based on the 2003 film, takes place at Haverhill Arts Centre from May 21 to 24.
It tells the true story of the Knapely Women’s Institute, who came together to introduce a nude calendar to raise funds for a hospital relatives’ room - proving that strength, love, and friendship can bloom even in the toughest of times.
As part of their preparation for Calendar Girls, members of the cast recently attended a Haverhill Owls WI meeting.
Em Robshaw, on behalf of the Centre Stage Company, said: “It was a wonderful experience, offering a real insight into the camaraderie and spirit of modern WI groups.
“While the stereotype of ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ may not define WI meetings today, they remain a cherished space for women to connect, support one another, and create lifelong friendships—just as the real-life Calendar Girls did.”
Centre Stage Company also aims to raise £10,000, to be split between Cancer Research UK and St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Em added: “Cancer has touched so many lives within the community, and the cast and crew are determined to stand together in support of those affected, to remember loved ones lost, and to help fund life-saving research.
“Whilst I was at rehearsals for Sister Act last year, my dad collapsed and was rushed to hospital.
“Unfortunately, we received the devastating news that he had bowel cancer, which had already spread.
“He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is such an inspiration to me—despite his terminal diagnosis, he continues to fight with incredible strength and determination.
“I want to raise as much money as possible for causes that are making a real difference in the lives of families like mine every day.”
Centre Stage also has a team, Sunflower Showstoppers, in the Bury St Edmunds Relay for Life, at Nowton Park on July 5/6.
Donations can be made HERE
Centre Stage cast and crew members will take part in a variety of fund-raising events, including Sunflower Dedications; Brave the Shave, where cast and crew members will shave their heads and a 2026 naked calendar - a la Calendar Girls.
The impact of this fundraising effort is deeply personal to many involved in the production, and Centre Stage Company is calling on the local community to help them reach their £10,000 goal.
Tickets for Calendar Girls are available now
