TAKE That’s Gary Barlow and Tim Firth (original writer of the film/play) have created a musical that leaves you inspired and roused, yet without being able to recall a single, memorable song.

The songs lacked an emotional punch, even in the saddest parts of the story. I found it puzzling that a selection of British supermarkets got more mentions then the word 'cancer' itself.

The very slow first act ended with two fairly decent songs and we were ready for all of the ladies to strip off, something we would witness towards the end of the night.

The Dales being the backdrop scenery were pretty, yet had little use, and could have done with some imagination put towards it.

The sound a piano coming out of billed 'organ' (you can imagine the puns here) is also odd.

The best parts would have to be the May Day fete and the famous nude photoshoot. The former is absurd, with youthful innuendo on virginity, an overload of rock-hard scones and snobbish village mindsets.

The latter being the defining moment, where all the characters (and therefore the live performers) get their kit off for the tasteful and inspired famous calendar photographs.

These are some moments where we root for them, proven with the screams, laughs and applause every time one of them disrobes. The male gaze would be completely absent here were it not for the presence of photographer Lawrence, played by a wry Derek Elroy.

The group of WI women are great forces here including the likes of Sarah Jane Buckley, Julia Hills, Sue Devaney and Judy Holt, amongst others.

Lesley Joseph as Jessie had some of the best one liners and her song What Age Expects may not be brilliant, but featured some insightful views about getting older.

Tyler Hobbs as Tommo and Danny Howker as Danny, gave a youthful injection of boyish charm and cheeky coming of age troupes.

Jenny is here played by Isabel Caswel, a moody role, though some forcing of the accent and sung voice at times must be encouraged. Had music director, Nick Pinchbeck, not taken a bow on stage, I would have had no idea there was in fact a live band for the show.

Calendar Girls - The Musical continues at the Wales Millennium Centre until May 11.

James Ellis