The Wild West is set to storm theaters across the UK and Ireland as Jamie Wilson Productions announces the revival of the beloved musical “Calamity Jane.” This whip-crackin’ production, originally staged at The Watermill Theatre, is saddling up for an extensive tour starting, with the incomparable Carrie Hope Fletcher donning the buckskins of the titular heroine.
As rehearsals kick off, the air is thick with excitement and the sound of boot heels on hardwood. The full cast has been revealed, promising a powerhouse ensemble to bring the frontier town of Deadwood to life. Joining Fletcher in this rootin’ tootin’ adventure are Vinny Coyle as the rugged Wild Bill Hickok, Luke Wilson as the dashing Danny, and Seren Sandham-Davies as the aspiring performer Katie Brown.
The production reunites the creative dream team that made the show a hit a decade ago. Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Curve, returns to the director’s chair, with Nick Winston reprising his role as co-director and choreographer. Their combined vision promises to infuse new energy into this classic tale of love and gunpowder on the American frontier.
Carrie Hope Fletcher, a three-time WhatsOnStage Best Actress in a Musical winner, brings her formidable talent to the role of Calamity Jane. Fresh from her triumph as the title character in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cinderella” and with a Grammy nomination under her belt, Fletcher’s portrayal of the sharp-shooting, soft-hearted heroine is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
“Calamity Jane” isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a treat for the ears too. Audiences will be tapping their feet to timeless tunes like “The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away),” “The Black Hills of Dakota,” and the Oscar-winning “Secret Love.” These melodies, woven into the fabric of musical theater history, are set to soar once more under the musical supervision of Catherine Jayes.
The story of Calamity Jane, with her quick draw and even quicker tongue, has captivated audiences for generations. This production promises to bring fresh life to the tale of a woman navigating love and rivalry in a man’s world. As Calamity grapples with her feelings for Lieutenant Gilmartin and her complicated relationship with Wild Bill Hickok, audiences will be swept up in a whirlwind of emotion, humor, and heart-stirring music.
From the dusty streets of Deadwood to the glitz of Chicago, the show’s set and costume design by Matthew Wright is poised to transport theatergoers to a world of frontier saloons and city lights. With Tim Mitchell’s lighting design and Ben Harrison’s sound design, every crack of a whip and twang of a guitar string will resonate through the theater, immersing the audience in Calamity’s world.
The tour is set to blaze a trail across the UK and Ireland, with stops including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Theater lovers from Aylesbury to Bristol will have the chance to experience this reimagined classic.
As the curtain rises on this new production of “Calamity Jane,” audiences are in for a wild ride filled with laughter, love, and legendary songs. Don’t miss your chance to see Carrie Hope Fletcher and the stellar cast bring this beloved musical to life.
Ready to join Calamity on her adventure? Book your tickets now and prepare for a rollicking good time in the Old West!
