Lesley Joseph is to join the cast of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's award-winning musical Calendar Girls.

Lesley Joseph is to join the cast of Calendar Girls the musical playing the role of Jessie from 23 April in Southend until 10 August in Eastbourne when Ruth Madoc returns to the role.

Lesley has recently played Frau Blücher in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein at the Garrick Theatre, a role which earned her an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Later this year she will play Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of Annie the musical.

Calendar Girls the musical is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands, and have to date raised almost £5million for Bloodwise. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary.

Calendar Girls The Musical is directed by Matt Ryan and designed by Robert Jones, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, movement by Lucy Hind and casting by Sarah Bird.

CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL TOUR SCHEDULE