FEELGOOD stage show Calendar Girls is being brought to the St Albans stage from next Thursday, February 28, by the Company of Ten.

The true story of how the famous WI calendar came to be created can be seen on the Abbey Theatre stage until Saturday, March 9,

Since its professional premiere in 2008, the play has become the fastest selling in British theatre history.

Director Andy Mills said: “The story of a group of women from Rylstone and District Women’s Institute in the Yorkshire Dales is well known for the courage, tragedy and above all friendship at its heart – the very things that inspired me to want to direct this production.

“We’ve all known testing times and had to battle to get through, but what makes this story so life affirming is how out of tragedy, and with an off-the-wall idea, the Calendar Girls were able to make such a huge, positive and lasting difference to the lives of others.”

He added: “Money from the performing rights for this show will go to the charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, the same charity that the original Calendar Girls funded. The charity will also be manning a stall in the Abbey Theatre foyer during the run of performances. And we are dedicating this production to all the many people who continue to be affected by cancer.”

As well as evening performances, a Sunday matinée is being held at 2.30pm. To book tickets please go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or alternatively call the box office on 01727 857861.