Review: Calamity Jane at Wolverhampton Grand

★★★★

The whip-cracking classic comedy musical, Calamity Jane, based on the much-loved movie of the same name has ridden over the rolling plains to Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre. Starring the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables) as the fabulously fearless, gun slingin’ lead, Calamity Jane, the musical is set during the American gold rush in the dusty settlement of Deadwood.

A farce, with Calamity Jane at the centre, this production is a camp tale of chaos and mistaken identity that erupts after Calamity’s trip to Chicago to fetch Broadway star Adelaid Adams (Molly-Grace Cutler) to perform in Deadwood. Instead, she returns with her maid, Katie Brown (Seren Sanham-Davies), who must win over the locals with her own talent and flare. Meanwhile, a romantic story line, full of rivalry and jealousy, ensnares Calamity in its ropes. She may lust after Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson) but is there more behind her bickering back-and-forth with Wild Bill Hicock (Vinnie Coyle)?

Calamity Jane’s rustic set and costumes (Matthew Wright) are the perfect backdrop to the explosive, exciting and often over-exaggerated exploits of the show’s heroine who is 'Careless with the Truth'. Clever use of staging, props and choreography depict movement, as Calamity hops aboard a stage coach to set out on her next mission.

Energetic choreography is also used throughout the show, echoing dancing of the time and creating bustling, flowing movement. The musical numbers played by a live band, some of whom feature on stage as part of the ensemble, span from toe-tapping hoedown hits to emotive moments, giving the production ups and downs that carry audiences over The Black Hills.

Upbeat, raucous and just a little raunchy in its vaudeville numbers, Calamity Jane is a lively, wild and wonderful production with humour and heart.

Fletcher takes on the role made famous on screen by Doris Day, stepping into cowboy boots previously worn by many other big names including: Carol Burnett, Barbara Windsor, Jodie Prenger and many more, to depict a fictionalised version of the very true legend, Martha ‘Calamity Jane’ Canary. With a captivating stage presence and belting vocals, Fletcher’s Calamity is a fierce and determined figure, exploring femininity and power. Pushing the boundaries of gender expectations, Fletcher’s performance is more golden than the gold rush.

Calamity Jane plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 13^th September. For best availability, visiting the theatre's website.

This review was written following a press invite to the production.