First staged back in 1961, Calamity Jane is inspired by the 1953 film starring Doris Day...and it still packs a punch in 2025.
The story is based on the historical figure of frontierswoman, Martha Jane Canary who lived from 1852-1903. The musical's plot is the epitome of artistic licence, being non-historical and somewhat farcical, offering an exaggerated view of relationships and events of the time.
The stage musical made it's debut in 1961 in Texas before making its way to the UK for a 1974 outing in Sheffield. A number of tours followed, including the last commercial production with Jodie Prenger playing Calamity back in 2014 - this production is a revival of that run, 11 years later.
When it comes to well trodden paths, Calamity Jane is one of the most well-worn, but also one of the most well-loved. There's something warming and charming about seeing a Western on stage, and the stage is the first huge plus point for this production.
Designed as a theatre inside a theatre, the creative team have done an outstanding job of making the set convey an atmosphere which suits the production down to the ground.
All of the action takes place in that singular space, with props used to create movement and to signify a switch to another location - the set design maintained a perfect balance of simplicity and functionality.
However the out and out stars of this show are the cast, who are quite simply exceptional.
A number of the performers on stage are actor-musicians - this is a show where every note is played live by the cast and now I've seen it performed in that way, it simply wouldn't work with a standard band.
That simple adjustment brings an entirely new dimension to Calamity Jane and serves to form a chemistry and bond between everyone on stage. It feels like a community and, to be blunt, a hoedown in a mid-Western saloon wouldn't be played by a band in an orchestra pit!
It's important to say that the entire company are sublime. What makes this show work so well is the chemistry and camaraderie between the ensemble and is something they've got in bucket-loads. The family-feel with this group of individuals is palpable and that essence goes such a long way in winning the audience over. I believed they'd known each other for years.
Vinny Coyle is a formidable Wild Bill Hickock - playing him with a menacing but ultimately caring streak. Coyle manages to strike an incredibly difficult balance between alpha male and caring friend with a progression which gave the character a new depth I'd not considered before.
We all know parents who comes across as brash and demanding when you're young, but more often than not it's because they want the best for you and want to protect you - a sentiment that Coyle's interpretation of Bill manifested throughout the production.
However, the night belonged to Carrie Hope Fletcher.
Carrie has an incredibly unique talent, one where she manages to make every role she plays stand out. That's not to say that she pushed the rest of the cast into the background - quite the opposite.
When you see a confident and self-assured leading lady, sometimes the show can become more about them and their performance than anything else. However Carrie manages to give us a Calam' that feels like she's leading the pack. Her vocals are outstanding throughout, but especially in 'Secret Love' when she finally gets to let out the belt she's synonymous with, to rapturous applause. Her humour is on point, her dancing is brilliant and it's evident she's having a blast on stage.
Fletcher is one of the best leading-ladies in the industry at the moment, her partnership with Coyle is awesome and, along with the rest of the company, they delivered an absolute masterclass in musical theatre this evening.
Whether you're a fan of the story or just someone who loves a good musical - get your tickets. It'll be the best money you've spent this year!
Calamity Jane plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 22nd March 2025. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com
