AN East Renfrewshire mum will ‘dare to bare’ next month as she stars in a new production of Calendar Girls.
Aileen Johnston, 53, is to take centre stage in an adaption of the hit 2003 comedy based on the true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research charity.
Runway Theatre Company will be staging six performances of the show, which will run from Tuesday, May 3, to Saturday, May 7, at Eastwood Park Theatre, in Giffnock.
Mum-of-two Aileen will play Chris Harper, who is the driving force behind the idea of stripping off for the local Women’s Institute calendar.
In the film version, the character was played by Helen Mirren.
Aileen, who works as a valuation surveyor, told the Barrhead News: “I’m excited and also slightly terrified.
“It’s great to get back out with your theatre family again after two years of lockdown, as it’s really good for your mental health.
“My character is kind of the ringleader of the Women’s Institute ladies. She’s a bit naughtier than me but possibly a bit braver too.
“The nudity in the show should hopefully all be tastefully done, as we will try to be clever with where we place things to cover our bodies.
“All six of us are in the same boat and I’m sure it will be quite empowering when we do it in front of supportive audiences, as we’re doing it for a good cause.”
The cast of the forthcoming production are also producing their own nude calendar, which will be sold at their shows, to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Aileen, from Giffnock, has been involved in many productions at Eastwood Park Theatre over the years, having first been on stage there at the age of 18.
She said she is glad this latest show will raise money for such a good cause.
“My dad was treated at the Beatson and they do a lot of great work there,” she added.
“Quite a number of the cast also have a connection with the charity and one of the ladies in the show has been treated for breast cancer at the Beatson.
“The show has lots of laughter and musical numbers. It is also really uplifting and will be a great night out for everyone who comes along.”
To book tickets, call 0141 577 4956 or visit ercultureandleisure.org/theatre.
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