Review: Calamity Jane UK Tour at Mayflower Theatre

The UK tour of Calamity Jane has pulled up at Mayflower Theatre and received a standing ovation from the Southampton audience on Tuesday, June 3. 

West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher is leading the cast as Calamity, a sharp-tongued, quick-witted independent woman who defies society's expectations with her dress sense, way of life and attitude. She's always up for a fight or a bit of crime, regardless of what anyone says about her. 

Of course, as per her name, chaos follows her wherever she goes, including an amusing case of mistaken identity when she brings back Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies), instead of glamorous actress Adelaid Adams.  

While the two embark on a friendship, highlighted in 'A Woman's Touch' when the pair transform Calamity's cabin with brilliant vocals and fun choreography, they quickly become rivals for the attention of Danny Gilmartin and Wild Bill Hickcock, portrayed by Luke Wilson and Vinny Coyle. 

The love square quickly recites itself, and the musical ends in a double wedding. Lovely.

Despite the narrative feeling a bit chaotic at times, the musical numbers have to be the highlight of the show, with gorgeous harmonies from the ensemble and a powerful 'Secret Love' from Hope Fletcher. 

Vinny Coyle and Carrie Hope Fletcher in Calamity Jane (Image: Calamity Jane)If you've seen the 1953 Doris Day musical film, you will be treated to a performance filled with nostalgia and songs harking back to the popular Hollywood movie, including Deadwood Stage and Black Hills of Dakota. There's even a pretty fun Hoedown that will leave you smiling on the way home. 

As someone who has never seen the film or any previous performance, I struggled to connect with the production as easily as others in the audience. I almost wished I could tap into their nostalgia. 

With it being such a faithful production to the original, it does mean that some of the jokes feel a bit clunky in modern day, especially the constant criticism of Calamity's clothes, attitude and 'female thinking'. 

Calamity Jane is a product of its time, where such views would have been rife in the 1800s, but they could have, perhaps, been challenged or toned down a bit more in this modern production. 

Ultimately, if you're a big fan of the story already, you will have a fantastic evening at Mayflower Theatre. 

Calamity Jane is on until Saturday, June 7. To book tickets, visit mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.