Calamity Jane at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham.

25th March 2025

“You come in handy in a calamity, Jane”. So the story goes. The eponymous Jane attempts to save the reputation of Henry Miller, the proprietor of the local tavern, when he mistakenly hires a male actor (Francis Fryer) instead of a female one (Frances Fryer) to perform on his stage – much to the dismay of the local menfolk in the wild west town of Deadwood. Jane promises to save the day by luring who she believes to be famous Hollywood actress Adelaid Adams to the tavern. In fact, it is none other than her maid Katie Brown who has aspirations of being on the stage. Oh the confusion! Throw in a couple of love triangles and plenty of lickety-spit attitude and you’ve got the makings of a ripping yarn.

It was of course Doris Day who starred in the title role in the Warner Brothers’ now legendary film back in 1953. This stage production, directed by Nikolai Foster, co-directed by Nick Winston with orchestrations by Olivier award winner Catherine Jayes sees West End legend Carrie Hope Fletcher step into those oh so very big boots. The history behind the character is fascinating – she truly existed (real name Martha Jane Canary) – described somewhat unflatteringly as the biggest mouth in Dakota, and always up for a fight! I cannot wait to see this interpretation as I whip-crack-away to the theatre!

The first thing I note as I take my seat is the beautiful design of the set – Matthew Wright has created an attractive sepia look with a second proscenium arch towards the back indicating where the bar-room stage is. A stage within a stage. It is stunningly simple yet highly effective. Other props and locations are seamlessly and subtly suggested by being moved on and off as required by the cast themselves. The show looks like it has been lifted directly off the big screen – it successfully transports us into the heart of a Country and Western classic. The iconic look of the original film remains, which is just as well because I’m not certain the audience would have stood for anything too different!

Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role is a complete success. She makes the character her own and showcases her versatility as a performer bringing so much comedy, joy and attitude to the role. Her voice, as you might expect from a legend of musical theatre, is perfection. She shines when portraying the vulnerability of the character in ‘Secret Love’ and absolutely takes the roof off with ‘A Woman’s Touch’. Fletcher gives us a Calamity with the heart to match the attitude.

Vinny Coyle looks to be having the time of his life as Wild Bill Hickok. What stage presence he has, not to mention excellent chemistry with Fletcher’s Jane! Their duet – “I Can Do Without You” is such a treat. Coyle’s performance is beautifully nuanced – his Hickok is brooding, simmeringly quiet, yet tough enough so that you believe he could survive the Wild West. We’re all in love with him by the end!

Molly-Grace Cutler gives us a peach of a performance as haughty Adelaid Adams and Seren Sandham-Davies delivers a convincing and powerful portrayal of naïve and downtrodden maid Katie Brown. Brown’s own love interest Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson) has some rather splendid moments too. When they sing “Love You Dearly” you can hear a pin drop in the auditorium.

A standout performer for me this evening is Samuel Holmes as Francis Fryer. His comedy timing, expert delivery of his lines and gawky mannerisms are a tonic. He steals every scene he is in, only needing a sideways glance to send a glorious titter across the auditorium. And what a dancer! His “Hive Full Of Honey” has simply got to be seen to be believed.

I am captivated by the actor musicians who grace the stage, performing as the ensemble and playing their instruments at the same time with no sheet music in sight. This is a fabulous feature that really puts the music front and centre. They are a talented bunch who lift the score and hold the production together. They move seamlessly between genres and they dance well too! “Deadwood Stage” has every toe a-tapping. There are so many famous numbers in this show, from “The Black Hills Of Dakota” to “Once I Had A Secret Love” and these serve to grease the wheels of the action beautifully. Two hours whizz by and before long we are tipped back out onto the streets, not of the windy city, but Nottingham.

This is a joyous romp, a lovely, lively revival of a Hollywood classic that is both modern and yet faithful. My love of this production is, to coin a phrase, no secret anymore! What’s not to love? A sweet story of romance and friendship told through the medium of bright, upbeat musical numbers featuring larger than life frontier era characters who are performed by a first class cast. The show ends with a magnificently riotous hoedown and a standing ovation from the highly appreciative audience this evening – I have a feeling it won’t be the last such how of appreciation this cast receives here in Nottingham.

Calamity Jane plays at Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 29th March 2025. Limited tickets remain.