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The Regent Theatre has been transformed into the Wild West this week as Calamity Jane rolls in for a stage adaptation of the much-loved Doris Day movie. In this adventurous, rough-and-tumble take on the classic, Calamity Jane – known for her tall tales and quick temper – finds herself caught between duty, friendship, and unexpected romance when she sets out to bring a glamorous actress to town, only to be met with more than a few surprises along the way.
Starring as the bold, brash, gold-hearted ‘Calam’ is none other than multi-award-winning actress (and sister of McFly’s Tom Fletcher), Carrie Hope Fletcher, whose stage presence is magnetic in the show. Carrie brings Calamity to life with grit, humour, and warmth, stealing every scene she is in. Her voice is powerful and emotive, and she captures both the toughness and vulnerability of the character beautifully, especially in numbers like ‘Men’ and ‘Secret Love’. Carrie really is a walking masterclass in musical theatre.
Vinny Coyle makes for a charismatic Bill Hickok, providing great chemistry with Carrie and bringing a roguish charm to the role. Luke Wilson is endearing as Danny, while Seren Sandham-Davies gives a lovely performance as Katie Brown, with strong vocals and a likable presence. I particularly liked her duet with Carrie for A Woman’s Touch, and her character development throughout the show is great to watch.
The set and staging deserve a special mention, too, designed to evoke the dusty Deadwood City in South Dakota. It’s as though the audience has been picked up and dropped straight into a saloon, with brown beer bottles, bar fights and, of course, eccentric characters such as the ever-entertaining Rattlesnake.
The musical numbers are well delivered with the ensemble performing live on stage with their instruments. I must admit I wasn’t familiar with the score having never seen the show before, but some of the tracks are incredibly catchy, from The Deadwood Stage (whip-crack-away) to Just Blew In From The Windy City and Careless With The Truth.
While I struggled with the build up of the first Act, the second was much more fast paced, filled with feuding, a Princess Diaries-style transformation and, of course, romance. This musical offers strong direction, smart design, and most importantly, an excellent cast. Carrie Hope Fletcher in particular makes it a rootin-tootin night to remember. Catch it at The Regent Theatre this week until Saturday, June 21 with tickets from £15.
