The Kilcullen Drama Group is no stranger to sold-out performances, but thier recent production of “Calendar Girls” shattered all previous records. The four-night run was completely booked before opening night,prompting the addition of extra performances for the following week,which also sold out.
“calendar Girls” tells the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who created a nude calendar in 1999 to raise funds for leukemia research after one of their husbands died from cancer. The stage play, adapted from the 2003 British comedy film, premiered in 2008 and was written by screenwriter Tim Firth.
Directed by Eilis Philips, the Kilcullen production is being hailed as one of the group’s finest in its 90-year history. the ten-woman cast delivered individual brilliance, collectively weaving a tapestry of drama, pathos, comedic hilarity, and gentle humor. “It was a masterpiece,” one audience member remarked.
The male cast members also delivered compelling performances, providing a strong counterpoint to the women’s leading roles. Veteran Kilcullen actor Maurice O’Mahony, in particular, garnered praise for his portrayal of Liam, which was described as “suave and elegant, reminiscent of couturier Paul Costelloe.”
The production’s success extended beyond the stage. The group created a special 2025 calendar to raise funds for the Oncology Day Ward at Naas Hospital. The calendar,featuring coyly suggestive and cleverly conceived images taken in various Kilcullen businesses after closing hours,proved so popular that a second printing was necessary. The photographs and design were the work of Niamh O’Connor.
The Kilcullen Drama Group’s “Calendar Girls” was not just a theatrical triumph; it was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and compassion.
## “Calender Girls” Break box Office Records: An Interview with Kilcullen Drama group’s Director
**World Today News – Kilcullen, Ireland:** [Image of the cast of “Calendar Girls” from the Kildare Nationalist article] The Kilcullen Drama Group is riding high after their wildly triumphant production of “Calendar Girls,” which shattered box office records for the local theater group. World Today News sat down with the director, [Director’s Name], to discuss the incredible response and what it means for the future of the group.
**World today News:** Congratulations on the phenomenal success of “Calendar Girls”! Selling out four nights before opening is no small feat. What do you think contributed to the overwhelming demand for tickets?
**[Director’s name]:** Thank you! We’re absolutely thrilled with the response. I think a few factors played a role. “Calendar Girls” is already a vrey popular story,both as a film and a play. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and tackles vital themes of female friendship and empowerment. Plus, our community is incredibly supportive of the arts, and the Kilcullen Drama Group has always enjoyed strong local support.
**world Today News:** The enthusiasm obviously didn’t stop after the initial four nights. You had to add more performances to meet the demand.
**[Director’s Name]:** Yes! We were blown away when those additional dates sold out as quickly as they did. It was a testament to the power of word-of-mouth and the desire to see this show.
**world Today News:** was there anything specific about your production that you think resonated particularly well with audiences?
**[Director’s Name]:** Our cast was absolutely phenomenal. They poured their hearts and souls into these roles, and their chemistry on stage was undeniable.The humour landed perfectly, and the quieter moments of reflection were genuinely touching.
**World Today News:** What does this success mean for the kilcullen Drama Group going forward?
**[Director’s Name]:** It’s a huge boost to our morale and a testament to the hard work and talent of everyone involved, from the actors to the backstage crew. It gives us the confidence to continue pursuing ambitious projects and bringing quality theatre to our community.
**World Today News:** Anything else you’d like to say to the audiences who made this production such a triumph?
** [Director’s Name]: ** A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to see “Calendar Girls.” Your support means the world to us. We hope we entertained you, made you laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two along the way.
**World Today News:** Thank you for taking the time to speak with us,
**[Director’s Name]:** It was my pleasure.
**
