Calamity Jane at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sue Rumble

Intro
A new production of a well known musical from the 1950’s starring Doris Day. It is set in the wild west and is a story of Calamity Jane – a fearless tomboy who struggles to find her feminine side and a local hero called Wild Bill Hickok.

Venue & facilities
A lovely large theatre with a few places inside to eat & drink and numerous bars and restaurants nearby. Lots of parking nearby with some free spaces after 6.00 in Central Milton Keynes and a multistorey car park opposite – payable.

Review
This musical comedy is set in the Wild West in the goldrush town of Deadwood, Calamity – played by Carrie Hope Fletcher shows no fear as she tries to prove she can sort out any problem by any means. She tries to help theatre and hostel owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley) where he is struggling to find an act that the town people want to see. Her relationship with Bill (Vinny Coyle) is to say the least a little strained and her heart is with the Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Fergus Murphy) – or is it??

The men of Deadwood see a cigarette card picture of a star of stage Adelaide Adams (Molly – Grace Cutler) and in her usual brash style Calamity promises to bring her to the small goldrush town to perform. This doesn’t pan out quite as planned but leads to Katie Brown (Seren Sandham – Davies) ending up in town. What will happen next?

The singing and dancing throughout the show was amazing – the dancing was so energetic and fast. Calamity had an extremely powerful voice and all cast members had good voices. Some members of the cast played the instruments whilst acting and singing so the cast was also the orchestra – amazing. The songs included everyone’s’ favourite – “Whip Crack Away” plus many others which had the audience stamping their feet and tapping toes.

The scenery was based around the theatre in Deadwood but the use of props was very clever – the piano was a base for many different things including the cart which took them out of town. Costumes were as expected for the time that the show was set in.

This production is directed by Nikolai Foster, co-directed and choreographed by Nick Winston and features musical supervision by Olivier, Grammy and Tony Award winner Catherine Jayes.
This was a fun packed, toe tapping show, full of energy from start to finish. A must see production if you enjoy some comedy, singing and dancing with a good storyline.

Price & Value
The price range of tickets, in my opinion, is extremely good value for money given the quality and length of performance.

Date of performance – 29th July 2025
Date of review – 30th July 2025
Running – 29th July – 2nd August 2025
Price of Tickets – £15 – £80.50
Running Time – 2hrs 30 mins incl interval

Rating: 4/5

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on 01908 547625.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 3NZ