Newark Advertiser review: Calamity Jane, starring West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher, at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal

Looking for rootin’ tootin’ good time? Look no further than a show about the most famous frontiers woman of them all, Calamity Jane.

With a sprinkling of West End talent, Calamity Jane is now showing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until this Saturday, March 29.

Originally immortalised on film in 1953 by Doris Day, this stage retelling of the classic tale is quite simply wonderful.

There is an endless charm and simplicity to Calamity Jane, which is rarely found in the modern musicals of today — it is pure, innocent fun.

I grew up watching the golden age of Hollywood musicals on visits to my grandparents, and so seeing the characters come to life on stage put a big smile on my face.

The blend of fun country hoedowns, catchy sing along numbers, and heartfelt love songs are elevated by an excellent band of live musicians roaming the stage during scenes with their instruments in tow.

I haven’t a bad word to say about any of the performers either, who brought the frontier town of Deadwood to life.

Each of them played there parts perfectly, and I found particular enjoyment in the quirks of the side characters such as Samuel Holmes’ eccentric actor Francis Fryer.

Seren Sandham-Davies gave a wonderful display as the maid mistaken for, and then masquerading as, a music hall star, and Vinny Coyle played the rough-riding and cynical Wild Bill Hickok with a charming and comedic edge.

But really, this was the Carrie Hope Fletcher show, who gave a barn-storming performance as Calamity herself.

Carrie’s years of experience on the West End really shine through in role which required a confident and charismatic personality to pull off.

Calamity’s skills on a horse or with a revolver are unquestionable. Her tales of daring escapes and battles with bandits are a little harder to believe.

However, behind her tough exterior is a woman who simply wants to be loved.

Whether she was singing about heartbreak or flying into a rage in a fit of jealousy, Carrie played the role with so much sympathy.

Stretching out of her comfort zone, she also brought a fun physicality to the role through several lively dance numbers.

By the time the show was over people of all ages were leaving the theatre whistling a tune, with a jig in their step — some literally dancing out of the door with delight.

So, do yourself a favour and get down to the theatre while you still can, because you’ll be riding that feel good high like it was the last stagecoach heading west. — FB