Calamity Jane
We have seen a fair few older style musicals return to the UK stage recently and this new production of Calamity Jane, directed by Nikolai Foster and co-directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, certainly does not disappoint.
Filled with foot tapping musical numbers such as The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away) and The Black Hills of Dakota, it tells the story of Calamity Jane, the loud mouthed, gun toting, trouser wearing ‘tomboy’ and the towns notorious Wild Bill Hickok.
When Henry Miller books a beautiful actress to perform, only to discover that the actress is actually an actor, anger erupts and Calamity vows to keep the peace by travelling to Chicago and bringing back heart throb Adelaid Adams. But when she gets to the theatre the person she finds in Adelaid’s dressing room is her dresser, Katie Brown.
Not taking no for an answer Calamity and Katie return to Deadwood only for the townsfolk to discover the truth and erupt into disarray once more. Convincing them to give Katie a chance, they do, and she wins the heart of Danny who just happens to be the man Calamity is in love with. Jealousy and broken hearts bring chaos to the small town, but is this what Calamity needed to realize where her true love really lies?
Carrie Hope Fletcher takes the title role of Calamity Jane and her perfect portrayal of relatable vulnerability shines through, alongside her impeccable vocals, she is truly a force to be reckoned with in and out of her character.
Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok plays the right balance of humour and intimidation, giving us the increasing likability of his character. His rendition of Higher Than A Hawk was beautifully goosebump worthy. (On a side note, it was lovely to see Vinny back on stage after being taken ill a few weeks ago in Dublin).
Fletcher and Coyle have a beautiful stage presence and work really well together. It is clear throughout the production that this is an ensemble piece, and every one of the cast is enjoying the moment, even in the darker parts of the storyline. The true meaning of musical theatre shining right through!
Samuel Holmes provides some hilarious comedy moments as Francis Fryer and has a wonderful rapport with Hollie Cassar as Susan. Seren Sandham-Davies portrayal of Katie Brown is a powerful performance and a likeable characterisation. The musician/actor element has an addition appeal to it and shows how talented this cast are.
Matthew Wright’s set and costume design create the perfect setting, transporting us to a saloon in the wild west, with strategically placed props and actors taking us on the Deadwood stagecoach as required. Foster’s direction makes the time fly by, and we are on to the classical happy ever after in no time.
This show was reviewed on the 9th September 2025 at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where it runs until the 13th September 2025. Tickets available here: Calamity Jane | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Full tour details can be found here: Calamity Jane the Musical | UK & Ireland Tour 2025
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Mark Senior
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