This lively production of the classic musical is joyful from the first ‘whip-crack-away’ until the final hoedown.
Filled with plenty of catchy songs and vibrant characterisations, this UK touring production of Calamity Jane is perfect for those looking for a pure bit of escapism and nostalgia.
Best known for the film starring Doris Day and Howard Keel, the easy to follow plot is centralised on love-hate relationships, mistaken identity and tall tales along the way which is recounted at brisk pace in Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston’s co-production.
The story sees Calamity Jane attempting to save the reputation of Henry Miller (the proprietor of the local tavern) when he mistakingly hires a male actor instead of female one much to the dismay of the local men in Deadwood. But further confusion ensues when Calamiity brings back who she thinks is the famous actress Adelaid Adams, when in fact it is her maid Katie Brown, who dreams of being an actress. Throw in a couple of love triangles and you have got quite the show!
Watching this production, there are many aspects of which really stand out – including the use of musicians on stage (all of whom are incredibly talented) which combined with Matthew Wright’s rustic set design ensures that the show is authentic to the era in which the show is set. As the show goes on, I was impressed with the way in which the stage was used to show different locations in an effective way, with one highlight being Calamity and Katie’s wonderful duet ‘A Woman’s Touch’ as was the way in which songs such as ‘Deadwood Stage’ and ‘Just Blew in From the Windy City’ were staged.
There is a fun and playful vibe throughout the production that is hard to resist, particularly when watching Carrie Hope Fletcher’s Calamity and Vinny Coyle’s Wild Bill Hickok sparring with one another (although I did feel that their discovery of how they really felt about each other is a little bit rushed) – highlighted through the hilarious ‘I Can Do Without You’ or the way in which Calamity Jane’s shooting to get people’s attention is handled. This is also reflected perfectly through Nick Winston’s choreography that has a real hoedown vibe to it that is really spirited.
Aside for the central romances (including one that didn’t feature in the original film. between Francis Fryer & Harry Miller’s niece Susan) , there does seem to be more of a focus on the female characters here and self discovery and confidence to become someone they didn’t think they could be – it feels like a true celebration of female characters.
In terms of some of the orchestrations of Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster’s glorious music and lyrics there were moments in songs that didn’t quite work so well, particularly in some of the well known numbers that in regard to the tone just felt slightly off. The ending also felt slightly rushed and didn’t linger over moments involving Calamity Jane’s development and arc as an individual as well as her relationship with those around her that deserved more attention (particularly her hurt at Danny and Katie’s blossoming relationship). The sound balance also felt a little bit off as well (some cast sounding louder and clearer than others).
This being said the cast have infinite gumption and spiritedness throughout that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged. In particular Samuel Holmes as Francis Fry is given plenty of lovely comical moments that bring plenty of smiles and laughter along the way – with lesser known song ‘Everyone Complains About the Weather’ proving to be a great routine. Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane provides great gusto – showcasing comical, vulnerability and suitable fierceness that showcases the character well. Her chemistry with Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok (who has a lovely solo number ‘Higher Than a Hawk’) is perfectly pitched. Coyle is makes for smooth and charismatic Hickok.
Elsewhere, Seren Sandham-Davies is charming as Katie Brown and it is a real shame that Luke Wilson as Danny Gilmartin isn’t used more.
Overall, it is a joy to see Calamity Jane back on stage again – it is lighthearted, suitably comical and immensely enjoyable from start to finish.
By Emma Clarendon
Calamity Jane continues to play at the New Victoria Theatre until the 1st March before continuing on its tour.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️