THIS is one of those stories that has seeped into the hearts and minds of a whole generation.

The jam and Jerusalem brigade, otherwise known at the Women’s Institute, is an admirable collective of caring women and this story is based on something that really did happen to them.

John Baker, an apparently fit and healthy 53-year-old, who had never had a day’s illness in his life, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. John’s many friends in his close-knit village rallied round his wife, Angela, determined to do something positive to help.

Fellow WI members decided to shoot a calendar in the style of Pirelli – and the rest is history.

Ten Decembers have since passed, countless calendars have been sold in aid of cancer, a blockbuster film has been made and, eventually, a play was born.

Who doesn’t recognise that fabulous piano picture with a bunch of middle-aged naked women arranged carefully around it?

My expectations were high, but I’m afraid I found it the play tired, almost sleepy; the first half overlong, with the sound turned down, and struggled with a false bonhomie.

There were some funny oneliners, but the photo-shoot, done brilliantly on film, was demeaning to the actors and I felt their embarrassment.

The second half was lifted by a few great performances, particularly by Debbie Chazen as Ruth, Ruth Madoc as Marie and Joe McGann as John. I hate to say it, being a loyal theatre fan, but the film was much, much better.

• Until September 17. Box office 0844-871-767 sunderlandempire.org.uk.

Then Scarborough Futurist, Sept 19-24. Tickets 01723- 365789/374500 futuristtheatre.co.uk