THE Tavonians' production of Calendar Girls not only delighted audiences but has won a prestigious achievement award and raised a large sum of money for charity.

Audiences – almost a complete sell out for the five performances – were full of praise with many saying they had never laughed or cried so much at any theatre performance.

The praise for the performance has been almost overwhelming and The Tavonians have just been informed that the company has been given a special award.

At their annual awards dinner in March, The National Operatic and Dramatic Association will be presenting their achievement award for the South West to The Tavonians for their production of Calendar Girls.

The award cup and certificate will be presented by the national president to members of The Tavonians, including members of the production crew.

Last week members of the cast and crew got together for the presentation of a cheque to Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity chosen by Calendar Girls' director Stuart Waterworth.

Funds were raised from sales of calendars, which featured the cast and crew, a gala night performance and additional donations. The amount raised was £3,285.67 which has since been increased to £3,300 by a further donation.

The performances also raised funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, which was the charity chosen by the original group of Calendar Girls in Yorkshire, and the subject of the play.

In addition to a sum which formed part of the licence fee for the play, local representatives made collections at some of the performances.

The Tavonians forthcoming productions include three murder mystery performances, which include dinner at the Moorland Garden Hotel near Yelverton, the Terrace Restaurant in Tavistock and Gulworthy Hall, followed by a recording of a radio play, the first in their Stonesthrow Soundplays series.

Further information about The Tavonians Theatre Company is available on their website, http://www.tavonians.org.uk">www.tavonians.org.uk.