A lively revival with humour and heart. Summary
Rating
Good
When a show opens with the whole audience humming along to a familiar tune, you know you’re in a room full of die-hard fans. For lovers of the classic Doris Day film, Calamity Jane certainly doesn’t disappoint. All the iconic songs make an appearance, and the cast do a stellar job of embodying these much-loved characters. There’s no doubt this production is packed with heart and talent. However, it is held back by some notable pacing issues, which can make the plot difficult to follow, especially for those who aren’t already familiar with the storyline.
The first half, though only around an hour, drags in places. Some musical numbers, while entertaining, don’t do much to move the story forward. The song ‘Men’ for instance, gets a laugh, but doesn’t add anything meaningful to the narrative or character arcs. At times, the show could benefit from tighter storytelling, clearer transitions, and more visible staging of key plot moments, which sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
That said, the cast are uniformly strong. Carrie Hope Fletcher leads with aplomb as Calamity Jane, delivering a performance that is both vocally flawless and emotionally layered. Her take on the character is nuanced, balancing Calamity’s brash, rough-edged persona with moments of vulnerability and warmth. Fletcher’s stage presence is magnetic, and she steers the production with confidence and flair. Her chemistry with Vinny Coyle (playing Wild Bill Hickok) crackles, giving their scenes a welcome spark. Coyle himself brings charm and gravitas to the role, and his rendition of ‘Higher Than a Hawk’ is a standout, holding the audience in rapt attention at the top of Act II.
Samuel Holmes injects the show with a much-needed dose of comedic energy. He plays Francis Fryer with irresistible wit and charisma, and his comic timing is pitch-perfect. The duet between Fletcher and Seren Sandham-Davies (playing Katie Brown) is another highlight, showcasing a softer side to Calamity’s tough, tomboyish exterior.
A particular joy of this production is that much of the music is played live by the cast themselves. They transition effortlessly between playing instruments and acting, often doing both at once. Lara Lewis and Claire Greenway deserve special mention for their musical dexterity; Lewis switching between vocals, cello, and violin with ease, and Greenway equally at home on saxophone, piano and vocals.
The staging, especially during the stagecoach scenes, is inventive. Ensemble members become part of the vehicle itself, creating dynamic, fluid movement while continuing to play. The lighting and set, though minimal, are used effectively throughout. The choreography is also strong, particularly the ensemble numbers, which are tight and full of energy.
Despite some flaws, this Calamity Jane revival is a charming, feel-good production full of western flair, toe-tapping tunes, and heartfelt performances. It’s an enjoyable evening for fans old and new.
Directed by Nikolai Foster
Co Directed and Choreographed by Nick Winston
Produced by Jamie Wilson Productions
Orchestrations and Music Supervision by Catherine Jayes
Set and Costume Design by Matthew Wright
Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell
Sound Design by Ben Harrison
Calamity Jane plays at New Wimbleon Theatre until Saturday 17 May, and then continues on tour until Saturday 27 September.
