THERE is no such word as ‘sunflowery’.

Well, there is now. I am going to use it when people ask me ‘what is Calendar Girls the Musical really like?’

It is a show with a huge, optimistic heart. A production starring a wonderful cast - individually and collectively - that weave you into its gentle magic from the outset to the beautiful finale.

Writers Gary Barlow and Tim Firth (both originally from Frodsham) are a cracking musical collaboration.

Their songs capture moods, personalities and real dialogue while driving the narrative along perfectly.

I played the CD soundtrack later at home and was hooked all over again with a mix of up-beat and slower songs. Scarborough, I’ve Had a Little Work Done and My Russian Friend and I are just three highlights in an 18 song score.

Calendar Girls - the Musical is the latest incarnation of a story that made headline news across the world.

A group of women who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research (now called Bloodwise) following the death of John – a loyal husband.

The only aimed to buy a sofa for the hospital waiting room where he was treated. They did so much more and still do.

Based on the film and stage play, this musical is suitably fleshed out, so to speak.

Designer Robert Jones has created atmospheric sunsets (reminiscent of Wirral) over a background of the rolling Yorkshire Dales. A few chairs and a piano become the Women's Institute building such is the beauty of imagination and slick use of scenery.

A maypole makes an appearance creating an authentic village feel into the proceedings reflecting a halcyon golden summer. I could almost hear the bees buzzing.

Indeed this touring Calendar Girls, superbly directed by Matt Ryan, is a musical that does not put a foot wrong

It will appeal to all theatre –goers of all ages: women and men, couples, youngsters, too. It is a celebration of life itself.

The cast received a standing ovation including the fab six actresses who play the brave WI ladies: Denise Welsh (Celia); Anna-Jane Casey (Annie); Sarah Crowe (Ruth); Ruth Madoc (Jessie) Karen Dunbar (Cora) and Rebecca Storm (Chris).

Fern Britton clearly relishes playing stuff W1 boss chair woman Marie more interested in hosting boring talks on broccoli than such daring fund-raising.

And all the male characters are played with the right balance of humour and melancholy. Never once being over sentimental.

There’s one final curtain call in this review. This production is dedicated to the original calendar girls who made this all happen who have raised more than £5 million since they bared all: Take another bow : Angela Baker; Lynda Logan; Tricia Stewart; Ros Fawcett; Chris Clancy and Beryl Bamforth.

All are ‘sunflowery’ stars to this very day.

Globe verdict:

Five stars! Very funny, moving and inspirational.

On at the Empire until Saturday, December 1.

Tickets are available by calling the box office on 0844 871 3017 or visit https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/info/