Calamity Jane
Sunderland Empire
Until Saturday 8 February 2025
There’s something irresistibly delightful about a musical western like Calamity Jane, which is currently gracing the stage of the Sunderland Empire. Co-directed by Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston this lively revival brings the Wild West to life with its infectious energy, entertaining choreography, and a cast that seems to revel in the campy, carefree fun of it all. The production is full of song, dance, and humour that leaves you tapping your toes and smiling long after the final curtain falls.
Calamity Jane was first introduced to the world in 1953, as a film musical starring the legendary Doris Day in the title role. It was a rollicking celebration of the frontier spirit, as the eponymous heroine, a sharpshooter with a heart of gold, found herself embroiled in a series of humorous escapades in Deadwood, South Dakota. The stage version, with a book by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster and music by Sammy Fain, which premiered in the West End in 1961, retains much of the charm and wit of the original film, while adapting the storyline and adding a more structured theatricality to the proceedings.
This revival takes the best elements of its predecessor and delivers a visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and highly entertaining performance. It's clear that the cast and crew have approached Calamity Jane with great respect for its legacy while ensuring that it remains fresh, engaging, and relevant to modern audiences. In the spirit of the Wild West, there's a certain daring quality to this performance—a willingness to embrace the big, bold, and brash aspects of the show’s history while still offering a nuanced, contemporary take on its themes. Unlike many shows of its era, Calamity Jane holds up values of enterprise and female empowerment that hold up in 2025.
What stands out most in this vibrant and joyous production is the sheer fun of it all. From the moment the curtain rises with Rattlesnake (Richard Lock) picking up a banjo and having some fun with the audience, the stage is awash in colour and movement, drawing you into the heart of Deadwood with an energy that's absolutely contagious. The cast, led by Carrie Hope Fletcher's brilliant portrayal of Calamity Jane herself, are a dynamic group of performers who embrace the larger-than-life characters with gusto. There’s a playful chemistry between them that elevates the production beyond a simple retelling of an old story—it feels like a party you’re lucky enough to be invited to.
The set and costume design by Matthew Wright is equally captivating, with bright, bold colours reflecting the vibrancy of the frontier town, while the costumes evoke a sense of the time period without ever feeling too rigid or historically bound. The choreography (Nick Winston) is equally impressive, with the dancers making full use of the large Empire stage and delivering routines that are both fun and delightfully whimsical.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is that unrelenting sense of humour. The characters are so well drawn, so exaggerated in the best possible way, that it’s impossible not to laugh at their antics. Calamity herself is an endearing, bumbling heroine—determined, tough, yet lovable in her earnestness—while the secondary characters, from the dashing Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle) to the witty tavern owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley), each add their own special flavour to the mix. Their comic timing is pitch-perfect, and there’s a sense of joy in every scene, even when the plot turns a little predictable.
No musical review of Calamity Jane would be complete without talking about the unforgettable songs that have become synonymous with the production. Composed by Sammy Fain with lyrics by Paul Simon, the score includes some of the most beloved numbers in musical theatre history. From the opening The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!) to the toe-tapping A Woman’s Touch and the unforgettable Secret Love, the music is infectious, with melodies that stick in your head long after the show has ended.
The standout number in this production for me was Secret Love, sung with a wistful longing by Calamity was played with real warmth by Carrie Hope Fletcher. It’s the emotional heart of the show, a tender ballad that captures Calamity’s vulnerability and desire for something more than the rugged frontier life. The actress delivers the song with such sincerity and emotion that it sends a shiver down the spine. It’s a moment that reminds us of the emotional depth hidden beneath the comedy and chaos of the story. Equally memorable is the raucous A Woman’s Touch, a fun number that celebrates the moment when Calamity and Katie (Seren Sandham-Davies) tries to transform Calamity's shack into a home with feminine touches.
And let’s not forget the joyful exuberance of The Deadwood Stage, which opens the show with a bang. The energetic choreography and catchy tune are the perfect way to set the tone for the fun to come. It’s an opening number that instantly puts you in the mood to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride thanks to a great ensemble. I also applaud the decision to have much of the band on stage for some of the numbers as this adds to the feel of excitement, especially with the party numbers
At its heart, Calamity Jane is a story of love, friendship, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the untamed Wild West. But beyond its narrative, it’s a celebration of the joy of live theatre—a reminder of the magic that can happen when talented performers come together to create something unforgettable. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of Calamity Jane, this production delivers on every level.
In a world where we often look for the deeper meanings and complexities in art, Calamity Jane reminds us that sometimes, it’s enough to simply have fun. With its memorable tunes, charming performances, and infectious energy, this production is sure to leave you happy. It has been ten years since the last tour and it is great to see it back on stage.
Review: Stephen Oliver
Photos: Mark Senior
On the web:
Instagram/Tiktok: @CalamityJaneLive
Twitter: @CalamityMusical
Website: www.calamityjanemusical.com
#ad Tickets:
Calamity Jane will hit Sunderland Empire’s stage from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 February 2025. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland *
* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.
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