The musical starring Carrie Hope Fletcher has officially opened at the Opera House in Manchester as part of a UK tour.
The Guardian: *** “The wild west trappings range from red, white and blue roundel bunting to co-director Nick Winston’s fun hoedown choreography. Bullets are part of the percussion for Catherine Jayes’ spirited orchestrations but the script (adapted by Charles K Freeman from James O’Hanlon’s screenplay) gets bogged down in exposition and expands the character of Francis Fryer (a comical Samuel Holmes) when it is the principal relationships that would benefit from development. But if this musical has a generally unadventurous, even cautious air, there are enough bulletproof songs to keep it wheeling.”
Theatre Reviews North: **** “But the cast is a quality team, not least Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity. Vinny Coyle is slightly surprisingly civilised as Wild Bill (but it is a tenor lead, after all), Luke Wilson (Danny) has a fine baritone voice, and Seren Sandham-Davies wins hearts as Katie.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “The fairy tale nature of the plot prevents Calamity Jane from being considered ‘realistic’. Yet the all-round musical abilities of the cast bring authenticity to the depiction of a rough and tumble saloon in the old west enabling the audience to accept the romantic viewpoint and enjoy a lively back to basics production.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “The show creates quaint effects redolent of classic old filmmaking. Pipe smoke becomes train smoke, and wheels are placed on an upright piano to convert it into a stagecoach, umbrellas fluttering behind it as it rolls along. Saxophone necks are pointed like rifles. Matthew Wright’s design uses a sandy palette, with the colour of his weathered costumes rinsed, as if sunbleached.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “The clever use of Matthew Wright’s sepia toned singular set to represent a variety of different locations was well done and allowed the audience to see a stage within a stage. The way props were moved around to create the different scenes within the show was done smoothly, I specifically enjoyed this in the song “A Woman’s Touch” in which Katie and Calamity spruce up her cabin and she begins to embrace her femininity.”
All That Dazzles: *** “Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston’s direction brings the town of Deadwood to life with some creative and often comedic choices, making full use of every time Calamity Jane shoots. Winston’s choreography elevates the production exponentially, with ensemble numbers proving the most captivating moments.”
Fairy Powered Productions: ***** “All actors in this musical have a great background in theatre and all performed a top class show. The audience also enjoyed the sense of humour and there were plenty of laughs at the capers and one liner comments.”
Great British Life.co.uk: “Seren Sandham-Davies is suitably sweet as Katie Brown, yet delivers a strong performance in her on-stage ‘Adelaide’ persona. She’s a feminine foil to gun-totin’, whip crackin’, fast-to-fury, backwoods Calamity and, of course, shows her the ways of womanhood – though not without upset along the way. “
West End Best Friend: **** “Calamity Jane is a wonderfully joyous show with great music and dancing to bring the Wild West to life and makes for a cracking night out at the theatre!”
The Stage: **** “Charming revival of the Watermill’s inventive production starring Carrie Hope Fletcher.”
London Theatre 1: **** “It’s wholesome, family-friendly fun – very much the definition of ‘light entertainment’. Ben Harrison’s sound design ensures every lyric is heard. On leaving the theatre, a good number of people were humming or singing ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’ from the show – a clear sign, surely, that the production resonated in some way with the audience. A strong and well-drilled cast were a delight to witness in this enthusiastic and pleasant night out.”
A Young(ish) Perspective: **** “Ultimately, Calamity Jane is harmless fun — it’s bright, upbeat and farcical, and it’s difficult not to be swept along by the impressive performances across the cast. Don’t expect anything particularly thought-provoking, but perhaps not all theatre needs to do this — it’s a great time either way.”
For more information visit: https://calamityjanemusical.com/