REVIEW: Calamity Jane – King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Much-loved West End leading lady Carrie Hope Fletcher brings her boundless energy and effortless vocals to Glasgow this week as the indomitable Calamity Jane.
The eternal classic is playing to packed houses on this current UK tour and its easy to see why. The phenomenal cast and the whip-cracking pace the show gallops along at under the direction of Nikolai Foster ensure this is a production packed with highlights.
The story of the Gold Rush gal and her tall tales in late 19th Century Deadwood South Dakota, the firmly feminist Calam refuses to be bound by societal norms: she rides and shoots and cusses and causes mayhem better than any man in the Wild West. But under the gruff surface Calamity is looking for love and when a rival for the affections of Lieutenant Gilmartin comes along, Calamity’s jealousy is hard to rein in.
The entire production gives off a joyous energy from start to end, helped along by the actor/musicians on stage. The cast look as if they are having a ball and their enthusiasm and commitment transmits to the audience. These classic songs are given full justice, much to the delight of the audience. As the first bars of The Black Hills of Dakota ring out, the audience, word perfect, sing along in harmony and remain enraptured until the final curtain. Of note too is the innovative stage design and atmospheric lighting. The stage within the stage is a cleverly designed touch.
As the sharp-shooting, tall tale telling frontierswoman, Carrie Hope Fletcher is perfectly cast. She radiates a warmth that’s hard to resist and her vocals are perfect throughout. She raises the roof with every number and brings the audience to cheers with Secret Love. Fletcher is more than ably supported by Vinny Coyle as the infamous Wild Bill Hickok, his resonant baritone is especially effective in Higher than a Hawk and the chemistry between the two leads as they trade insults on the way to finding love is entirely believable. Samuel Holmes provides fantastic comic relief as Francis Fryer the performer on the end of an unfortunate case of mistaken identity.
This is a production of infinite quality from cast, to band to design and direction. It also proves that classic musicals given a new life will always entertain.
Runs until 5 July 2025 | Image: Mark Senior
