Calamity Jane at Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Maddie Reynolds
I was excited for this show having not really known much about it. I have seen lots of content online as I’m a Carrie-Hope Fletcher fan. It didn’t disappoint with its toe tapping catchy songs all the way through.
Mayflower Southampton is easily accessible by train or by car with plenty of parking around the theatre. We were seated in the stalls tonight. The show is 2 hours and 30 minutes long with an interval and is recommended for ages 12 plus.
Calamity Jane is based on the story of Martha Jane Cannary, a charismatic, outgoing, and deceptive bundle of laughs. Originated by Doris Day in the 1953 movie. This a new production and features the multi award winning actor and singer Carrie-Hope Fletcher. I am a big fan of hers and have seen her in various shows including her west end debuts Les Misérables and Cinderella.
Carrie-Hope Fletcher definitely has the voice for this role in the timeless songs ‘Secret Love’ and ‘Just Blew in From the City’. Her voice was powerful throughout but these two songs stood out for me and the choreography and dancing as well as singing during Just Blew in From the City was mesmerising with the musicians playing, singing and dancing on stage.
Vinny Coyle playing the role of Wild Bill Hickok complimented Carrie extremely well, with their back and forth style of admiration. Their relationship is seemingly uncomplex, however we learn throughout the course of the show, that there is a deeper connection which took them both by surprise. Vinny was assured in his performance, with a softer side leaking through towards the end of the show.
Seren Sandham-Davies portraying the role of Katie Brown, had the audience on edge when we were first introduced, with her flawless portrayal of the clumsy underappreciated maid of Miss Adelaide Adams. As an audience we really grew to love her temperament and compassion towards Calamity.
Richard Lock who played the role of rattlesnake was hilariously unhinged in his approach. With some cameo moments stealing the show.
The set was not too complex but effective in its use. It allowed the ensemble musicians to affectively add to the ambience of the scenes and complimented the scenes extremely well. Turning an upright piano into a stagecoach by placing wheels upright against it and the cast pretending to ride with their umbrellas fluttering. It makes the western feel to the film how they created all this simple yet effective pieces.
Costume were in the style for the period and set the scene.
Whilst the show stays stuck in the era of 1953 instead adapting to modern audiences, it feels a little outdated at times. It is however real feel good musical and they had the audience up on their feet for a standing ovation before taking us into the finale where we were all our feet dancing and singing along.
I would rate this 5/5 and definitely recommend seeing it.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets available www.mayflower.org.uk and is running until 7th June as part of its UK and Ireland tour. Ticket prices start at £35.50 – £49.50 and has both evening and Matinée shows. The evenings have limited availability. Tickets can be booked online or via phone on 02380171811
Mayflower Theatre, 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton, SO15 1GE