Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 7 June 2025
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
Last night, my daughter and I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Watermill Theatre’s production of Calamity Jane at the Mayflower Theatre—and what a memorable evening it was! From the moment we stepped inside, we were embraced by a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. The theatre staff were friendly and attentive, helping to set the tone for what would be an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable night. The venue itself is a gem—beautifully maintained, spacious, and filled with charm. It provided the perfect backdrop for this lively and heartfelt performance.
The show opened with an energetic rendition of “The Deadwood Stage”, and from that very first number, the production had us hooked. The choreography was punchy and dynamic, drawing the audience in with its energy and flair. One of the aspects we particularly admired was the remarkable versatility of the cast. Not only were they impressive actors, but they also doubled as musicians, effortlessly switching between instruments and roles throughout the performance. It was a real showcase of talent and creativity, and it added a unique layer of intimacy and authenticity to the production.
While we found Act One enjoyable, we must admit that there were a few musical numbers we weren’t familiar with, and towards the end of the act, the pacing began to falter slightly. That said, any slight lull was more than made up for in Act Two, which really came alive with renewed energy and emotional depth. From the opening scenes to the curtain call, we were fully engrossed and entertained.
Two standout performances for us came from Vinny Coyle and Carrie Hope Fletcher. Coyle’s rendition of “Higher than a Hawk” was stirring and heartfelt, while Fletcher’s performance of “Secret Love” was nothing short of sublime—sung with such tenderness and control, it was a genuine highlight of the evening. The chemistry between the two was unmistakable and brought a real emotional weight to the characters’ developing relationship. Their connection felt believable and sincere, drawing us even further into the story.
Of course, staging a musical as beloved and iconic as Calamity Jane comes with its challenges. For fans of the classic film starring Doris Day and Howard Keel—ourselves included—it’s hard not to draw comparisons. That film holds a special place in our hearts as a family favourite. However, we can wholeheartedly say that this production more than rose to the occasion. It offered a fresh and spirited interpretation while staying true to the heart of the story.
We left the theatre smiling, humming the tunes, and full of admiration for what we had just seen. The show was a triumph of creativity, energy, and talent. It’s fair to say we’ll be talking about it for quite some time—and we were still singing the songs all the way home!