Calamity Jane has a rip-roaring, toe-tapping, and heartwarming romp through the Wild West, blending comedy, romance, and unforgettable tunes. Based on the beloved 1953 film starring Doris Day, this production transports audiences to the bustling frontier town of Deadwood, where the fearless yet hopelessly unrefined Calamity Jane is constantly mistaken for a man. While she revels in her tough-as-nails reputation, beneath her tough exterior, Calamity longs to embrace her femininity and be seen as more than just “one of the boys.”
At the heart of the story is a tangled love triangle (or rather, love square) between Calamity (Carrie Hope Fletcher), the dashing Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson), the charming but roguish Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle), and the sophisticated newcomer, Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies). Convinced that Danny is the love of her life, Calamity goes to great lengths to impress him, only to be blindsided when he falls for Katie instead.
Meanwhile, Wild Bill – her long-time friend and partner in crime- hides his true feelings for Calamity behind playful teasing and sarcasm. The gradual realisation that she has been in love with Bill all along leads to one of the show’s most tender moments: the stunning performance of Secret Love, where Calamity realises her heart belongs to Bill.
Adding to the fun are the theatre performances within the show, particularly the arrival of Francis Fryer (Samuel Holmes), an actor booked under the mistaken assumption he as a woman by theatre owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley). Francis’s forced attempt at a “ladylike” performance is comedy gold, much to the horror of Deadwood’s rowdy crowd. To redeem herself after this disaster, Calamity boldly promises to bring back the most famous actress of the time, Adelaide Adams, from Chicago—a promise that sets the adventure in motion.
Katie Brown, the aspiring actress who ends up in Deadwood by accident, is a breath of fresh air. Her warmth and charm make it easy to see why she captures Danny’s heart and, for a time, Calamity’s affection. Meanwhile, the hilariously shifty Rattlesnake (Richard Lock) a scene-stealing character who brings plenty of laughs with his antics and impressive vocal range. Hollie Cassar shines as the sweet and spunky Susan, we see her character evolve to eventually join Francis on stage as a double act.
Visually, the production is stunning. The set design beautifully captures the rugged charm of the Wild West, from the dusty saloon to the vast open plains. The attention to detail in the props and backdrops immerses and instantly transports the audience to the rugged charm of the Wild West. The clever staging makes the small town of Deadwood feel alive and bustling. The costumes are equally impressive, from Calamity’s iconic buckskin outfit to Katie’s elegant dresses, perfectly reflecting the contrasting personalities of the characters.
Adding to the magic, the talented ensemble not only acted and sang but also played their own instruments live on stage, creating an immersive and dynamic experience. The show both began and ended with a lively sing-along, drawing the audience into the fun-loving spirit of the production.
Classic numbers like The Deadwood Stage and Just Blew in from the Windy City brought plenty of energy and laughter, while Secret Love was the standout moment of the evening. Carrie Hope Fletcher’s heartfelt performance showcased her stunning vocals and emotional depth, marking a turning point in Calamity’s journey as she embraced her true self.
While the show was an absolute delight, there were some technical hiccups. At times, the sound quality wavered, and a few unfortunate microphone failures meant that certain cast members were difficult to hear. However, the energy and enthusiasm of the performers ensured that the audience remained engaged throughout.
Overall, Calamity Jane – The Musical is a fantastic, feel-good production that delivers laughs, romance, and a whole lot of Wild West charm. With a talented cast, brilliant set design, and memorable musical numbers, it’s a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre that leaves audiences humming along long after the curtain falls.
Things to Note:
- Age Guidance: the show is appropriate for ages 10+.
- Warnings: te sow may contain pyrotechnics and bangs
- Running Time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including one interval)
Tickets are selling fast, so check availability at Wales Millennium Centre’s website to secure a chance to see this magical performance.
