Calamity Jane at the Edinburgh Playhouse Review
Calamity Jane
Edinburgh Playhouse
23-27 September 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Douglas
The Edinburgh Playhouse is a beautiful theatre located at the top of Leith Walk in Edinburgh. Easily accessible by train, bus and now by tram. There is plenty free off-street parking nearby or there is the Greenside car park right next door but this can get pricey.
The Playhouse must have almost been at full capacity last night and there was a fantastic buzz. From the first strums of “The Black Hills of Dakota” the audience was hooked and was regularly clapping along with the cast. I think most people know the story of Calamity Jane which is loosely based on a true story. Calamity could outshoot most men in Deadwood and was known to be a bit liberal with the truth but had a good soul and struggled when it came to matters of the heart.
The stage was fantastically arranged with the musicians on the stage and hidden instruments to use when required. The instruments were regularly used as props and I particularly loved the piano being used as the stagecoach.
Jodie Prenger (from BBC show I’d do anything) was very good as the larger than life title role Calamity Jane. I found her singing was slightly muffled and hard to make out the words but this may have been due to the accent which was required as the final song she sang “Secret Love” did not call for such a thick accent and was beautifully sung. Her acting was superb with some nicely delivered one-liners. The whole cast worked well together with Alex Hammond and Phoebe Street giving fabulous performances as Danny and Katie with great chemistry. For me the whole show was stolen by Tom Lister (Emmerdale fame) he was absolutely fantastic. He captured the character of Wild Bill Hickok perfectly. His voice was deep and powerful and he had brilliant stage presence. I think he will be one to watch in the future as I cannot rate him highly enough.
All your favourite songs are in the show and this really is a wonderful production so whip crack away and get your tickets. You won’t regret it!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £38.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Calamity Jane is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 27 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3014.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18–22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA | 0844 871 3014
