Calamity Jane at Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

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

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

It’s been a wild, blustery day today so what better way for the musical Calamity Jane to blow into our city! This whip-cracking musical classic is sure to thrill audiences at Theatre Royal Plymouth where it’s making a very welcome visit as part of its national tour.

With its central location on Plymouth’s Royal Parade, Theatre Royal Plymouth has easy parking nearby and good public transport links so a happy, relaxed evening is guaranteed.

When we arrived last evening, the atmosphere was amazing as people congregated in the foyer, enjoying pre-show drinks and purchasing souvenirs. With the assistance of the ever helpful front of house staff, we were soon settled into our seats in the very full auditorium.

A comedy moment started the show as a strange character – later revealed as Rattlesnake and played brilliantly by Richard Lock – bumbled across the stage, picked up a random instrument and strummed ‘Deadwood Stage’ to lead us into the opening scene. We were immediately transported to the Wild West as we watched the actors playing instruments and creating a dynamic atmosphere as the story started to unfold.

Inspired by the 1933 Doris Day movie of the same name the story is based on a real life character Martha ‘Calamity Jane’ Canary who was renowned for having the biggest mouth in Dakota and always spoiling for a fight. It is basically a love story mingled with confusion, emotions and mistaken identity.

Carrie Hope Fletcher in the starring role was the ideal Calamity and she really made the role her own with the right amount of dynamics and sassy attitude. Her vocal range was perfection from soft passionate singing in ‘Secret Love’ to the rough and ready vocals while decrying ‘Men’!

Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok really owned the stage as he battled with strong-willed Calamity. Such great stage presence and the chemistry between him and Calamity was outstanding.

Seren Sandham-Davies played a very convincing Katie Brown and portrayed the storyline well with the character growing in confidence throughout.

Luke Wilson shone through as Danny Gilmartin as he fought for Katie’s affections and what an amazing voice.

The main comedy role of Francis Fryer was superbly played by local actor Samuel Holmes. So great to see him in his home town entertaining with such commitment, passion and brilliant comedy timing. And what nifty footwork!!

With choreography by Nick Winston, the whole company worked so hard to entertain with each routine being precise and energetic.

Directors Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston have certainly succeeded in bringing the town of Deadwood to life in front of our eyes.

Matthew Wright’s use of simple but effective props was great with everything being seamlessly manoeuvred around the stage by the cast – actors, musicians, stagehands is there anything this cast can’t do!!! The building and use of the Deadwood stagecoach was very clever.

This is a fantastic revival of a much loved musical. A feel- good production jammed packed with toe-tapping tunes that will stay with you long after the hoe-down finale.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £30.00
Calamity Jane is at Theatre Royal Plymouth until 19th July 2025
For more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com