AN ADAPTATION of an iconic British film will hit a Hitchin stage later this month, with naked calendars to boot.

Amateur dramatic society The Bancroft Players will be performing Calendar Girls at The Queen Mother Theatre from Monday, September 24, until Saturday, September 29.

Written by Tim Firth, the show centres on a group of Women’s Institute ladies who decide to pose naked for a calendar in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

When Annie’s husband John dies from leukaemia at an early age, her close friend Chris hits upon the idea of printing a calendar featuring some of the members of the local WI discreetly posing nude while engaged in everyday activities, such as baking and knitting, in order to raise funds.

“The release of the amateur rights to stage the play has sparked extraordinary interest from theatre groups,” said Bancroft Player and director Charles Plester.

“Samuel French London hope to establish a Guinness World Record for the most productions of one play in a 12-month period, with a percentage of performance fees going to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

“The cast of Calendar Girls at The Bancroft Players are following suit and calendars will be available to purchase after each performance as a special memento with proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“The calendar will not only feature the ladies but the male characters from the play and members of the backstage crew will feature too.

“It is all set for what promises to be a wonderful, funny and ultimately uplifting evening at the theatre where hope, determination and friendship resonate throughout. Don’t miss it – mark it on your own calendar now!”

Nightly performances of the play will be held at the theatre off Walsworth Road at 7.45pm.

Tickets range from �6 to �10 and are available by calling the box office on 01462 455166 or via www.queenmothertheatre.org