Jennifer Ellison (27) and Danielle Lineker (31) may be several decades younger than the Yorkshire Women’s Institute members made famous by stripping off for a charity calendar, but what better way to attract new audiences to the theatre than by casting two lads mag loverlies to play their story on stage wearing no clothes?

Calendar Girls was a hugely successful film, and its stage version – penned by Tim Firth, who co-wrote the film – has become even more successful and toured the country to rave reviews with a host of big name stars.

When Calendar Girls opens at the Bristol Hippodrome tonight, joining Jennifer Ellison and Danielle Lineker naked will be Lynda Bellingham, Trudie Goodwin, Jane Lambert, Ruth Madoc, Diana Moran, Joe McGann, Bernie Nolan, Lisa Riley and Gwen Taylor.

For the uninitiated, Calendar Girls follows the story of a WI group who decide to strip off for a charity calendar. Egging each other on and facing the consternation of both their husbands and more conservative members, they become a global phenomenon.

The latest tour of Calendar Girls with its brand new cast opens tonight at the Hippodrome and runs at the theatre until February 2. Click here for more information.