I have just spent a week in the company of six naked ladies, but never saw a thing.

That's not quite true, because I mingled with a very talented cast in the sell-out show, Calendar Girls, The Musical which was staged by Largs Amateur Operatic Society at Barrfields Pavilion Theatre.

Based on the well known play and film, Calendar Girls, by Tim Firth songwriter Gary Barlow (Take That) collaborated to produce the memorable songs which take the true story of the Women's Institute ladies who strip for a nude calendar to new heights.

At each of the five packed performances audiences rose to acclaim the brilliance and bravery of the local 'Girls' who bared all - albeit covered discreetly by sunflowers, icing buns, teapots and other such sundry items.

So, take another bow Kirsty Campbell, Sharon Tucker, Morag Robertson, Pat Nicol, Sarah Campbell and Lynsey Ewing as the feisty WI women who had the auditorium in stitches and awe at the quality of their solos and choral work. 

Each principal was a super singer in their own right, all different but rounding up the circle of excellence.

The lead male role of John, the husband of Annie (Kirsty Campbell) was played strongly by Andy Park, a stalwart of local musical productions and he set the scene with the opening number of Yorkshire which culminates in a choral crescendo.

In the true story John dies of leukaemia - before the interval in this case - but, of course, returns for a final bow.

Other main men were Michael Lyden as John's best friend Rod, Stewart Macdougall as the hard-working photographer Lawrence, a great fit as the quirky character, who gets an eyeful of the action; and hats off to debutant Joseph Teaz who, as senior schoolboy Danny, showed plenty of singing and acting talent  to mark him out as a future star.

Fellow schoolboy Tommo was in the hands of baby face Jack Harkness - and what a voice he has. Allan Milligan as husband of Celia (Sarah Campbell) and yours truly as the oldest husband of the oldest 'stripper' - no names, no pack drill - dotted in and out of the action, particularly with a comedy scene at the start of Act 2.

The no-nonsense W.I. president Marie was played to the manner born by the redoubtable Donna Laing, who proved a perfect counterpoint to the exuberant Calendar Girls, but, of course, came round to their plan in the end.

An absolute starlet was teenager Julia Coulthard, who played schoolgirl Jenny with such confidence and sweet singing ability. Watch out for her.

Tea and coffee ladies, both named Miss Wilson, Lynne McCabe and Jacqui McAllister provided the running - or is that pouring - gag throughout the proceedings and managed to get in on the strip act! Vicky McGregor as Lady Cravenshire and Maggie McMillan as Brenda added to the enjoyment.

As someone who has been in big local shows for more than 40 years, you often hear "the best show ever" appraisal but Calendar Girls is genuinely one of the most acclaimed ever. It never flagged, it bounced from high spot to higher spot, and had the audiences spellbound.

The praise has to go to inventive young director Ruairidh Forde (a professional actor himself) who squeezed the extra ingredients from the ensemble with many clever touches, and equally young musical director Chris Kelly who skilfully arranged the music.

I could continue to wax lyrical about about everyone who contributed to the triumph that it was but I have to mention Kirsty Campbell who has the voice of an angel and stunned us all with her rendition of Kilimanjaro, and the artistry of the experienced Pat Nicol in her solo, What Age Expects of You.

Also starring in the show were Lara Connick, Nan Fulton, Eila Handyside, Leanne Knox, Laura Newton, Julie Teaz, Jill Vines, Sean Crancher and Adam Ralston. Band members were David Edwards, Ewan Mains, Michael Hepburn, Stuart McArthur and Chris Whitehouse.

Stage manager was Paul Gregory, assisted by John O'Connor and Ross Connick; props, Fiona Page and Lesley Clements, continuity by Aileen Paxton, costumes, Maria Norris; make-up Melissa Renton.

Calendar Girls has raised millions of pounds for cancer research in the past decade and collections were held at the end of each Largs show.

PICS: David McGarvey