Welcome to Deadwood Stage!

Whip crackin’, gun slingin’ and quick tongues, Calamity Jane is taking to the stage at the Wales Millennium Centre and I was lucky enough to be invited to come and review it.

Based on the beloved 1950’s Doris Day movie, the fearless, hard-headed Calamity Jane knows exactly who she is and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. But when she has to bring notoriously beautiful actress Adelaide Adams to Deadwood she finds herself struggling to keep her jealously at bay. 

This show was incredible! With an upbeat infamous score, spirited chorus dances and hilarious quips throughout, I was smiling from start to finish. Calamity Jane is a tough role to take on, not only because of Doris Day’s iconic portrayal, but also for the sheer amount of energy and talent the role demands. Carrie Hope Fletcher took on this role and did not disappoint! Aside from her showing off her incredible vocal talents in songs such as ‘Just Blew In From The Windy City’ and ‘Secret Love’, her quick witted, high energy performance was a wonder to watch. And playing alongside her as Wild Bill Hickok, Vinny Coyle was the perfect opposing match for Calamity, his portrayal of the character was masterful and the chemistry on stage was powerfully intoxicating, with their hilarious bantering dynamic, drawing the audience into their story. And their rendition of ‘I Can Do Without You’ quickly became one of my favourites. Their performances were nothing shy of exceptional.

This was a truly talent cast, with Luke Wilson as Danny Gilmartin, Seren Sandham-Davies  as Katie Brown, Peter Peverley as Henry Miller, Hollie Cassar as Susan, Molly-Grace Cutler as Adelaide Adams, Ben Mabberley as Hank, Fergus Murphy as Joe, Tomas Wolstenholme as Buck, Claire Greenway as Doc, as well as Lara Lewis, Emma Jame Morton, Theo Diedrick, Jacob Neeson and Stephen Scott Stark.

A special mention has to go to Samuel Holmes as Francis Fryer and Richard Lock as Rattlesnake, although both playing very different characters, and amongst a very funny cast, these two stood out. Samuel Holmes’s nervously excitable character was hilarious and his use of physical comedy made him an audience favourite. And Richard Lock’s portrayal of Rattlesnake could have the audience in hysterics with just one line. 

This production is an actor-muso show, where the actors play the instruments while in character, making it all the more special. It brought a new dynamic to the performance and really showed off the immense talent of the whole cast.

Calamity Jane is the show we all need to watch! A break away from the stress of our lives, this funny, upbeat production is the best way to spend an evening. Mistaken identities, feuding jealousies and fiery tempers, with toe-tapping songs, phenomenal sets, and a cast to bring these beloved characters to life, this is a show that can’t be missed!

Calamity Jane will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 15th March and tickets are selling out fast so get your now!

Find out more about the Calamity Jane UK Tour on their website and Instagram.

And keep up to date on everything going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

All Photo Credits to Mark Senior