Brighton theatre group's men dare to bare all in calendar (From The Argus)

Brighton theatre group's men dare to bare all in calendar

1:00pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Ben James

A group of thespians are preparing for their most revealing role to date – with the launch of a nude fundraising calendar.

We’ve all heard of the Calendar Girls butit’s the boys at the New Venture Theatre in Brighton who are baring all to raise money.

Twelve of the company’s finest have spent the last few days putting it all on show for what will undoubtedly be a massive hit this Christmas.

Colin Elmer, who came up with the idea, explained that the group were raising money to help bring the main theatre up to fire safety standards.

The actor said: “I came up with the plan for the calendar over a glass of wine with friends and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

“The response was fantastic. We had no trouble with numbers, everyone wanted to be part of it.

“I think we were all a bit nervous but the shoot ended up being greatfun. Let’s hope it raises lots of money.”

The company was founded in 1947 butit wasn’t until 1956 that it acquired the Bedford Place theatre that it still occupies today. Its 100-seat arch theatre was itsmain production space until a couple of years ago when it failed a fire safety inspection.

Now performing in a downstairs 80-seat studio, the group is aiming to reach the £20,000 needed to bring the original theatre back up to safety standards.

Mr Elmer added: “The calendar will be distributed in shops in the area and we just hope that everyone gets behind it.

“It’s not all about hunks, we’ve got all people of all ages and shapes and sizes and it really is just a bit of fun.”

But this isn’t Mr Elmer’s first out-the-box fundraising idea. Back in October 2009 he was featured in The Argus before his wedding to nowwife Kirsty.

Instead of sending guests a list of household appliances as their wedding list they asked friends and family to donate to the community based theatre.

The launch of the calendar will coincide with the first production of the company’s new season, which kicks-off with Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues on October 6.

For more details visit www.newventure.org.uk.