Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until 9 August 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
‘Calamity Jane is a charming, feel-good production with toe-tapping tunes and heartfelt performances’
I was thrilled to review Calamity Jane at the wonderful Hall for Cornwall. Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston’s direction with orchestrations by Olivier award winner Catherine Jayes brings this whip-cracking musical to life.
For lovers of the classic Doris Day film, it certainly didn’t disappoint. I’ve never seen the film, and as the show opened with the audience humming along to a familiar tune, you know you’re surrounded by real long-time fans.
Calamity Jane (Carrie Hope Fletcher) attempts to save the reputation of saloon owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley) when he mistakenly hires a male actor, Francis Fryer (Samuel Holmes) instead of a female one. Jane promises to save the day by luring who she believes to be a famous Hollywood actress Adelaid Adams (Molly-Grace Cutler) to the saloon. In fact, it is none other than her maid Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies) who aspires to being on the stage and returns with her after convincing Jane she’s the real Adelaid Adams. Jane’s gung-ho determination brings Katie back to her hometown of Deadwood, Dakota.
The cast are strong, Carrie Hope Fletcher leads with aplomb as Calamity Jane, delivering a performance that is both vocally flawless and emotionally layered. Her chemistry with Vinny Coyle (playing Wild Bill Hickok) gives their scenes a welcomed spark. Coyle brings charm to the role, and his rendition of ‘Higher than a Hawk’ is a standout, holding the audience’s attention.
Samuel Holmes injects the show with a much needed dose of comedic energy, playing Francis Fryer with wit and charisma, and his comic timing is pitch perfect. I admit to being unfamiliar with the majority of the songs though opening number ‘Deadwood Stage’, was every bit as (whip) cracking as you would hope. ‘Black Hills of Dakota’ provided a sweet singalong moment feeling like a time capsule for many around me in the audience.
A particular joy of this production is that much of the music is played live by the cast themselves. The use of creative staging, such as using an upright piano as a stagecoach and incorporating actor-musicians creates a dynamic, fluid movement and is a positive of the production.
Credit must also go to Mark Senior for the fabulous production images.
Calamity Jane is a charming, feel-good production with toe-tapping tunes and heartfelt performances. It’s an enjoyable evening for fans old and new.