The women of the Bradfordians Dramatic Society will bare nearly all in a production of Calendar Girls, as they aim to set a new world record and raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The thespians are one of hundreds of amateur theatre groups staging the 1999 story of Yorkshire women who produced a naked calendar to buy a £519 sofa for a hospital, but ended up raising £580,000.

The aim is to break the world record for the most performances of the same play by amateur groups in one year.

The Bradfordians will be performing at St Laurence School from October 31-November 3.

Group chairman Sue Bolden, 64, who will play Annie, said: “We’ve had a lot of fun so far. It is a very humourous play with a heartwarming story.

“There are six of us who play the girls and we’ve created a great bond. When we pose for calendar shots in the play, we are dependent on our friends, as they are holding light reflectors and we tell them when we are ready to come out, with well-placed props in place.”

After the success of the real calendar, a film about the endeavours of the WIe members was made, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. It later became a West End play.

During the production the actresses’ modesty will be hidden by the play’s iconic sunflowers, strategically placed teapots and large buns. Lynne McCaffrey, who will play Chris, said: “We have not taken our kit off for a production before, but it is not a big deal as everyone is so into the play. I really wanted to be one of the girls and we are all looking forward to opening night.”

The Bradfordians, who stage three productions a year, had their biggest turnout at auditions for Calendar Girls and could have filled the roles twice.

Director Phil Courage said: “It was really hard to make a choice, as we were always going to leave people disappointed. There’s been a great buzz around the show. Tickets sales are going really, really well and the whole group are having a great time working on it.”

About 500 tickets have already been sold, with organisers expecting the production’s run to be a sell-out.

There will be a charity raffle and John Fletcher, who plays leukaemia patient John in the play, is being sponsored to shave his head for the performance.

To sponsor Mr Fletcher’s shave, visit www.justgiving.com/John-Fletcher9.

For tickets see www.thebradfordians .com/box-office-2, or call 01225 869047.

Win tickets to see Calendar Girls see Wiltshire Times