Calendar Girls attracts record-breaking audiences to The Orchard Theatre, Dartford (From News Shopper)

Calendar Girls attracts record-breaking audiences to The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

10:13am Monday 14th May 2012 in Freetime latest news By Nikki Jarvis

Thousands of people rushed to see naked beauties in Calendar Girls, making it a record-breaking show for The Orchard Theatre, Dartford.

The theatre saw a record footfall when 7,200 ticketholders walked through its doors during the eight performances.

One of the UK’s most successful plays, Calendar Girls wowed audiences between April 30 and May 5.

The show, which is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story, featured Lynda Bellingham, the original calendar girl herself.

She starred alongside Jan Harvey (Howard’s Way), Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses), Camilla Dallerup (Strictly Come Dancing) Deena Payne (Emmerdale), June Watson, Ruth Madoc (Hi-De-Hi), Debbie Chazen (Doctors), Kevin Sacre (Hollyoaks) and Joe Mcgann (The Upper Hand).

Producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers said: “We were thrilled to have been able to bring Calendar Girls to Dartford.

“The show has been breaking box office records up and down the country and Dartford was no exception.

“We played to sold out houses at every single performance and we know that the cast have had a fantastic time.

“The audience response was wonderful and the team at The Orchard have been a dream to work with.

“We can't wait to come back."

In the same week the success of Calendar Girls was mirrored by The Osmonds, who performed on Sunday April 29 and saw a sell-out crowd enjoy the show.

For information or to book tickets to The Orchard’s other shows visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.