The classic musical Calamity Jane brought a taste of the Old West to Wearside this week as the fast-paced, often hilarious and always good fun show delighted audiences.
Based on the 1953 film of the same name, this production sees theatre icon Carrie Hope Fletcher swap the West End for the Wild West to take on the lead role as the truth-stretching, rough tough frontier heroine. In truth, many fans will probably see the show just to catch her perform without having to make the journey down to London.
They certainly won’t be disappointed – the star does undoubtedly steal the show, stepping comfortably into the big shoes of the legendary Doris Day. But there is plenty more to love about this production.
Vinny Coyle brings a confident, cool and almost cocky performance as Calamity’s foil Wild Bill Hickok. He and Fletcher complement each other well, and even early on when they’re almost at each other’s throats, there is a clear chemistry between the two.

(Image: Mark Senior)
Special mention too must go to the hapless Francis Fryer, played by Samuel Holmes. Almost every time he took to the stage, he had the audience in stitches – his comic timing is perfect.
There’s plenty of catchy tracks that will be familiar to musical fans and novices alike. The show makes the most of the classic The Black Hills of Dakota, with the audience even encouraged to sing along at points – although it’s worth noting some of the more questionable 1950s language has been altered.
Whip-Crack-Away and Just Blew in from the Windy City are two other particular highlights in the first act, and will doubtless have audiences irresistibly tapping along, convinced they’re in an Old West saloon bar. In the second act, gets his chance to shine with Wild Bill’s rendition of Higher than a Hawk, before Fletcher showcases her spectacular voice with Secret Love.
It’s a different tone to the rest of the show, but it will make your hairs stand on end. She shows why she deserves top billing and left the audience utterly captivated.
One thing that is particularly impressive is the lack of the usual orchestra – the cast play their instruments on stage. It’s a genuinely impressive feat, and you can’t help but admire their talent.

(Image: Mark Senior)
Calamity Jane is also unashamedly old-school. If you’re looking for extravagant sets and eye-catching kit, you’ll want to look elsewhere. The show is far more charming, using clacking coconuts to represent horse-riding Monty Python-style and letting the audience know the characters are travelling by train simply by turning a line of chairs to face the left. It’s simple, but effective – you always know exactly what’s going on.
After a lengthy standing ovation, the audience were invited to join the cast in a classic hoedown. It was probably a good summary for the show itself – it’s good, old-fashioned fun. Go and see it – you won’t regret it.
The production is at Sunderland Empire until Saturday, February 8.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/reviews/carrie-hope-fletcher-stars-calamity-30939733