Calamity Jane – A Rip Roaring Classic

Take a beloved 1950’s musical about the queen of the Wild West. Add the incredible Carrie Hope Fletcher in the leading role, and you get what can only be described as perfect theatre entertainment. Calamity Jane arrived at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night and it is absolutely joyous. The songs soar, the cast performances are uniformly excellent, and, in Carrie Hope Fletcher, you have a leading lady who leaves you asking ‘Doris who?’

Calamity Jane is a cowgirl who is as strong and brave as any man. Living in the gold rush town of Deadwood she likes to drink Sarsaparilla and spar with Wild Bill Hickok. She is also the queen of the tall story, somewhat embellishing her tales of brave feats. When saloon owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverly) makes a huge mistake and books the very male Francis Fryer (Samuel Holmes – very funny) as entertainment for the bar, believing him to be a female showgirl, Calamity promises to save the day by bringing star actress Adelaide Adams ( a slinky Molly-Grace Cutler) to Deadwood. Unfortunately things don’t go to plan, and Calamity instead brings her maid, Katie Brown. Unfortunately, Katie soon has an eye for Danny Gilmartin, who just happens to be the object of Calamity’s affections. Will a man come between the budding friendship of Calamity and Katie? And could Calamity’s real true love be a little closer to home?

Carrie Hope Fletcher was born to play Calamity Jane. From her stunning rendition of Secret Love, to the physical sparring with Bill, she is absolutely perfect, it is a stunning performance. She is perfectly matched by the gorgeous Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill. He is physically perfect for the role, with an incredible baritone voice, and the chemistry between his Bill and Calamity is wonderful, crackling with passion throughout. Luke Wilson as Danny Gilmartin has the voice of an angel and works wonderfully with the spirited, charming Seren Sandham-Davies as Katie Brown.

The script is excellent, sticking closely to the film with lots of humour and physical comedy. The set works so well for the Deadwood Stage, and having musicians on stage throughout gives this a wonderfully fresh feel. Those classic songs just sound incredible, with the classics Deadwood Stage and Secret Love being particular highlights.

Calamity Jane is a rip roaring, whip cracking, classic. Unmissable!

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 13th September

Click here for ticket information.

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