Gary Barlow became an honorary Yorkshireman today when he revealed details of his new musical based on the story of the Calendar Girls.

The Take That frontman was the surprise guest at a read-through of the show in Burnsall Village Hall, close to where the story of the Rylstone and District WI – whose nude calendar has raised nearly £4m for Leukaemia Research – began 17 years ago. He said the new show would capture both the humour and poignancy of the story.

“Humour, particularly Yorkshire humour, is a big part of this story, it’s a coping mechanism for how people deal with tragedy, and I felt it was important to get that across in the music,” he told the Telegraph & Argus.

“When I write albums I want to take people on a journey of emotions and I took the same approach with this show.

“It’s amazing to be here in the heart of the Dales where it all began. There’s something very special about this place.

“We always said that for this musical to work it had to be something we could present in a village hall like this, with just a few people and a piano.”

Gary has created the show, called The Girls, with Tim Firth who wrote the Calendar Girls film and stage play.

The pair, who grew up in the same village in Cheshire and have been friends for 25 years, have been working on the show for more than two years.

“It’s very much about the women, but it’s also about their husbands, their children and the wider community,” said Tim.

It was the death of original Calendar Girl Angela Baker’s husband, John, in 1998 that led to the calendar.

“It’s been quite a roller coaster over the years but we’re incredibly proud of how far it’s all come,” she said. “This musical takes it on even further, and having Gary on board is a wonderful boost.”

Angela’s son and daughter, Matthew Baker and Rachel White, were also at yesterday’s launch and talked for the first time about the impact of the calendar on their lives.

“We have lived and breathed this story for so long, it’s something very positive that came from our dad,” said Matthew

. “It still seems very strange when the film comes on at Christmas, it’s part of our cultural fabric now. We’re very proud of what the women have done.

“This new show, and Gary’s involvement, adds a whole new dimension and will keep the story going into the future.”

The Girls will be premiered at the Leeds Grand on November 14. Tickets go on sale today on 0844 8482700.