Giddy up, folks—Calamity Jane has rolled into town, and what a rip-roaring, whip-crackin’ time it was! The new UK tour of the beloved musical, based on the 1953 Doris Day classic, delivers energy, charm, and plenty of toe-tapping tunes that had the audience struggling not to sing along.
Starring the ever-brilliant Carrie Hope Fletcher as the wild and wonderful Calamity Jane, this production injects new life into the frontier tale. Calamity, a fearless, sharp-shooting whirlwind, fights to prove herself in the male-dominated town of Deadwood. She’s brash, unpredictable, and fiercely loyal—but beneath all that bravado, her heart wrestles with its own desires. Vinny Coyle matches her wit and fire as Wild Bill Hickok, alongside Luke Wilson as the dashing Danny Gilmartin, Seren Sandham-Davies as the sweet yet ambitious Katie Brown, and Samuel Holmes, who steals every scene as the hilariously frantic Francis Fryer.
A huge part of what makes this production so engaging is the actor-musician format, with the cast doubling as the orchestra. Watching them seamlessly switch between singing, playing instruments, and acting without missing a beat is impressive. The lively saloon at the heart of Deadwood bursts into life, and the musical direction keeps every number vibrant and full of character. The audience clearly loved hearing classics like The Deadwood Stage, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and Secret Love, with an undeniable buzz in the theatre whenever those first familiar notes played.
Carrie Hope Fletcher delivers a phenomenal performance. Her powerhouse vocals and natural charisma make her a perfect fit for Calamity, balancing rough-and-tumble bravado with touching vulnerability. Vinny Coyle impresses as Wild Bill, his rich, commanding voice complementing his rugged charm. Their chemistry crackles on stage, making their inevitable romance all the more satisfying.
The production leans into the comedy, delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments while packing in plenty of heart. One particularly special moment came early on with The Black Hills of Dakota. As the first notes rang out, the audience started joining in until the whole theatre was softly singing along.
Overall, Calamity Jane delivers a delightful, high-energy ride that is bursting with heart. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or a newcomer to the story, this is a show worth saddling up for.
Whip-crack-away and catch it if you can! Calamity Jane is touring the UK until September 2025.
See more reviews:
Operation Mincemeat – Fortune Theatre
Cabaret – Kit Kat Club