Alison Quigan: How I cope with stage nudity

When John Clarke died from leukaemia at an early age, it set the scene for an inspiring movie and now stage play. And when his wife Annie's close friend Chris Harper decided to purchase a comfortable sofa for visitors to sit on at the hospital where John was treated, the women's ensuing fundraising idea was unique. Betty Jeeves spoke to Alison Quigan, well known for her television role of Yvonne Jeffries in Shortland Street among others, about her new character in the production Calendar Girls. Mention Calendar Girls and most people will know you are talking about a popular movie of the same name.
Bay residents will be pleased to hear the stage play, an adaptation of the movie, is coming to Baycourt.
Written by Tim Firth who also wrote the screenplay, it is based on the inspiring true story of 11 extraordinary Women's Institute members who persuade one another to pose nude for a charity calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.
However, when the head of the local Women's Institute chapter refuses to sanction the calendar, the women go to a national congress of the institute to plead their case.
The play is directed by Colin McColl who said he was delighted to bring the story to life for New Zealand audiences.
"This is theatre with a big heart and we've enticed the gorgeous Theresa Healey back on stage to head the cast of 14 for the Kiwi premiere of this joyous and uplifting comedy."
Backing Ms Healey is a line-up of well known actors: Alison Quigan, Rima Te Wiata, Kate-Louise Elliott, Catherine Downes, Jennifer Ludlam, Hera Dunleavy, Alison Bruce, Adam Gardiner, Andrew Grainger, Greg Johnson and Harry McNaughton.
They are in rehearsals six hours a day, six days a week for five weeks which Quigan says is normal for each play.
She says her role of retired teacher Jessie "is a fun part to play because she's quite grumpy. She's pretty disdainful of the process. It's quite neat to be able to play the one who says, 'Oh for heavens sake'."
In the acting profession for more than 35 years, Quigan is enjoying the comedy/drama and is quite comfortable as a comedian, but said in playing the role, "You are forced to face your own fears about your body. On the stage you see us getting ready, you see us naked and we make sure we cover each other rather than see this expanse of flesh."
Having acted with five of the cast before, she said for the men in the production "all the mystery has gone, their dreams are shattered. We laugh an awful lot in rehearsal, the director is the worst he is in hysterics.
"I think the play reaches out to people who will enjoy it and go home with a smile on their face.
"I'm looking forward to Tauranga, I haven't been there for years, since I last toured in 1979 in a series of plays in schools - those people are now adults."
It is the fourth year Auckland Theatre Company has brought a show to the Bay and follows last year's production Stepping Out, which featured Suzanne Paul.
"We are trying to be as much Tauranga Theatre Company as Auckland's. We have Auckland and Tauranga workshops and we swap, we're giving something back. We are not-for-profit but like to return to the community with workshop education programmes," Michael Adams, marketing and communications manager, said.
He said the play was a lot funnier than the film because it was live.
"The playwright refined his script more and there are a few more gags. It's an uplifting show and you come out feeling good. It's a lovely heart-warming show."
The film has become one of the most successful British films of all time, while the play is the fastest-selling in British theatre history.
Calendar Girls plays at Baycourt Theatre Thursday, September 1 to Saturday, September 3. For bookings go to www.ticketdirect.co.nz, or phone (07) 577 7188.