The true story of a Women's Institute branch that decided to do something a bit different for their annual charity calendar was a huge hit when it came to the silver screen.

Now original screenwriter Tim Firth has adapted the story into a play which opens in Chichester tonight.

Calendar Girls stars Lynda Bellingham and Patricia Hodge as close friends Chris and Annie who encourage their fellow WI members to strip off to raise money for leukemia research in memory of Annie's late husband.

The stage adaptation has already received the blessing of the Rylstone And District branch of the WI,who did the original calendar in 1999, with some of the money from the play going to support the charity.

Guide reviewer Barrie Jerram will give his opinion of the show later this month.

  • Starts 7.30pm, tickets from £11. Call 01243 781312.