Time for the good citizens of Stoke to watch their backs as Calamity Jane is in town! Yes, the Regent Theatre has bravely opened its doors to an absolute classic. Lock your doors folks- “Calamity Jane” has arrived!
Originally directed by Nikolai Foster and co-directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, this very much ‘updated’ musical was literally all singing and all dancing from the opening scene. Based on the well-known movie starring Doris Day, it tells the story of the charismatic ‘Calamity Jane’ and how her life in Deadwood, Dakota changes subtly when there is a new girl in town. From a strong friendship to the need to control her jealousy, this is essentially a story about love, relationships and personal growth- in a gun slinging way of course!
West End star, Carrie Hope Fletcher, star of Cinderella and Les Misérables, is a fabulous and fearless ‘Calamity Jane’. Such a versatile actress she embodies her personality entirely. Strong vocals throughout, her performance was outstanding and hard to take your eyes off her when on stage. Her energetic performance of ‘Just flew in from the windy city’ was joyous. Also, well adept it seems with any choreography thrown at her – Fletcher is undoubtedly a star on stage for many more years to come.
The mean and moody ‘Wild Bill Hickok’ was played by Vinny Coyle. With many accolades to his name, Coyle portrayed ‘Wild Bill’ as a man who seemingly had as many points to prove with Calamity Jane and was perhaps the only one who actually understood her. Coyle played an angry, frustrated yet also very understanding Wild Bill and it was interesting to watch his part change as they realised the many similarities they had when the fighting stopped.
All actors gave their all, but it would be remiss not to mention Molly-Grace Cutler. Although only momentarily on stage, Molly- Grace Cutler who played the part of Adelaide Adams with her velvety vocals was outstanding and provided a great change of energy in the story.
The set was skilfully designed- with a backdrop of a stage in the town of Deadwood, Dakota as a constant, it also had the ability, through seamless moving of props, to create ‘moving’ stagecoach scenes with ease.
‘Calamity Jane’ may be an old story but this shiny new production is very much welcoming new audiences to the story. Certainly a show for the whole family. Well deserving of its standing ovation – it is lively, humorous and extremely entertaining from start to finish.
On at the Regent Theatre until Saturday 21st June tickets can be purchased online at https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/
Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 17th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: