Calamity Jane the Musical is a rip-roaring triumph! Carrie Hope Fletcher storms the stage with all the fire, fun, and fearlessness you’d expect, and then some!
Calamity Jane is the wildest, gun-slingin’ gal in Dakota, always ready for a fight and full of charm. She’s got her sights set on Lieutenant Gilmartin and never backs down from a showdown with Wild Bill Hickok. But when the men of Deadwood go crazy for Chicago star Adelaide Adams, Calamity finds herself in a tangle of jealousy and unexpected feelings. Her heart’s racing, but for who?
I’ve been a big fan of Carrie Hope Fletcher for many years. I loved her YouTube channel ItsWayPastMyBedTime and followed her rise to fame when she was cast in Les Misérables. I was lucky enough to see her perform in Les Misérables both in the West End and at the staged concert in London, as well as in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella and her An Open Book tour.
The role of Calamity was perfect for Carrie—her exceptional vocals, boundless energy, and infectious sense of fun lit up the stage. I had seen the original film years ago but had forgotten most of it, so I had no direct comparison, making it feel like Carrie truly made the role her own.
Samuel Holmes played the role of Francis Fryer and was absolutely hilarious. His comedic timing and facial expressions were spot on, bringing the charming but slightly awkward character to life. He was perfectly paired with Susan, played by Hollie Cassar, whose character provides a delightful foil to Francis, adding a playful energy to their partnership.
Vinny Coyle played the role of Wild Bill Hickok, bringing the perfect bad-boy energy to the stage. But yeehaw, can Vinny bust a move! He was easily the best dancer on stage, adding an unexpected flair to his character.
The combination of classic songs like ‘Secret Love,’ ‘The Deadwood Stage (Whip Crack Away),’ and ‘I Can Do Without You,’ energetic choreography, and a talented ensemble makes it a show worth attending for fans of musical theatre. It may also offer a little nostalgia for Calamity Jane fans, as there were many in the audience singing along.
The staging is fantastic, with costumes galore and bangs in all the right places. It felt like a big-time production, and it’s clear that a lot of time and thought had gone into every detail.
I’ll eat my cowboy hat if this doesn’t end up in the West End. And when it does, you can bet I’ll be back for round 2!
The whip-crackin’ musical comedy Calamity Jane is at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday, 5th April 2025. Catch the show at 2:30pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and 7:30pm on Friday. Book your tickets HERE before it’s too late!
