Calamity Jane

★★★★☆      Wholesome fun

Festival Theatre: Tue 15 – Sat 19 April 2025.
Review by Sophie Good.

Musical comedy classic Calamity Jane rolls into the Festival Theatre this week all the way from the Black Hills of Deadwood, Dakota. With it’s gun slingin’, high tales and hoedowns – it’s a real fun ride through the Wild West.

The real life person behind the legend of Calamity Jane was Martha Jane Canary – a Wild West frontierswoman with many a far-fetched tale to tell. She has been recreated across popular culture in many guises, most famously in the 1953 musical film starring Doris Day and Howard Keel.

The musical uses the Sammy Fan’s original and much-loved musical score for the film which is as Careless with the Truth as Calamity herself. The production is a revival, reuniting the creative team of Watermill Theatre’s 2014 effort, in a UK tour ahead of a West End Run.

The fearless Calamity – or Calam – rides in on the stagecoach to the small gold-rush town of Deadwood leaving in her wake the chaos which earns her nick-name. Carrie Hope Fletcher is captivating in the role. She has a true star quality about her, adding her own personality and wit to the charm of Doris Day’s original. Fletcher’s performance lights up the stage and is the glue that holds the show together.

That said, she is more than ably supported by a talented ensemble of musicians and dancers who fill he stage to create a vibrant Western saloon atmosphere. This is supported by Matthew Wright’s well executed design of the costumes and the Golden Garter saloon itself.

Saloon keeper Henry Miller (Peter Peverley) of is in a sticky old mess when the leading actress, turns out to be a male, not a female performer: one Francis Fryer (the highly entertaining Samuel Holmes). Holmes and Hollie Cassar, as Miller’s niece Susan, make a brilliant duo, exemplifying the high quality supporting cast that work hard to maintain pace and energy.

Vinny Coyle (Wild Bill Hickok) and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane). Pic: Mark Senior

In an attempt to save the day Calam sets off to the Windy City to try and entice Adelaide Adams (Molly-Grace Cutler) to join the Deadwood stage. However, she ends up returning with Katie Brown, played with wit and charm by Seren Sandham-Davies, who eventually has to confess to the mistaken identity.

Calamity’s long-time friend, the gambler Wild Bill Hickock was played by understudy Tomas Wolstenholme, deputising for Vinny Coyle in the performance seen by Æ. Hickock shoots insults and put-downs at Calamity, disguising his true feelings towards her.

In the first half, Wolstenholme lacked some of the presence needed for the role, but his Act Two opener, Higher Than A Hawk, allowed him to show off his vocal talent, while increased confidence marked an upturn to his character. Luke Wilson is a charming Danny Gilmartin, the Lieutenant who has caught Calam’s eye, but whose attentions are ultimately diverted elsewhere.

Seren Sandham Davies (Katie Brown). Pic: Mark Senior

The choreography from Nick Winston (also co-director) is a satisfyingly classic Western shindig with musical supervision by Catherine Jayes. The audience sing-along to Black Hills of Dakota and the end-of-show hoedown are particular fun highlights.

Director Nikolai Foster (Artistic Director at Curve) has brought the whole production together in a way that is generous to an audience who know and love the tunes, but entertaining and fun for a newcomers too. It is enjoyable throughout and well worth a gosh almighty visit.

Running time: Two hours and 20 mins (including one interval)
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street EH8 9FT. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000.
Tue 15 – Sat 19 Apr 2025 
Evenings: 7.30pm; Thurs, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.

ENDS

The Cast of Calamity Jane. Pic Mark Seniour

ENDS

Tags: Calamity Jane, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Catherine Jayes, Danny Gilmartin, Festival Theatre, Hollie Cassar, Matthew Wright, Molly-Grace Cutler, Musical, Nick Winston, Nikolai Foster, Peter Peverley, Review, Samuel Holmes, Seren Sandham-Davies, Sophie Good, Tomas Wolstenholme