Running at the Bristol Hippodrome this week is a brand new production of the classic musical 'Calamity Jane'.  Being a dedicated fan and having spent many happy hours of my childhood watching the well-known film with my Grandad, I was only too happy to join the audience at the Hippodrome for a few fun-filled hours full of that ole' feel-good factor. 

For anyone who doesn't know the story (shame on you!), it revolves around tough-talking tomboy Calamity, who puts her reputation on the line when she promises to bring famous singing star Adelaide Adams to Deadwood's Golden Garter saloon - the only things standing in her way are cases of mistaken identity, feminine rivalry and secret love.

There was actually a 'real' Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Canary on 1 May 1852 at Princeton, Missouri, and later married James Butler Hickok, the two characters later becoming the central figures in the musical.

Calamity Jane, a role immortalised on the Hollywood screen by Doris Day, was played by Toyah Willcox. She had a good bash at the role, attempting to overcome the problem of her limited vocal range by bounding around the stage with endless amounts of energy. I felt that her character was a little muddled, as her speaking voice was often breathy and high-pitched for no apparent reason, not really matching the bold and brash Calamity.

Playing Wild Bill Hickok was Michael Cormick, and as soon as he sung his first resonant note, I melted. He and Garry Kilby (Lt. Danny Gilmartin) looked perfect for their parts, the talented Cormick radiating an air of ease whenever he sung. I felt that the numbers 'Higher Than A Hawk' and 'Secret Love' were skimmed over, instead of giving the insight into Calamity and Bill without their brash exteriors - the words didn't come from the heart (perhaps a directorial problem rather than down to the actors themselves).

Kellie Ryan's Katie Brown, Phil Omerod's Francis Fryer and Abigail Aston's Susan all warmed up nicely and gave convincing performances.

Overall, the choreography was complimentary of the piece and its context, with some polished lifts and stunts, though Adelaide and her girls in 'It's Harry I'm Planning To Marry' looked more like Moulin Rouge girls and the choreography was not authentic. The lighting and sound was wel-operated and mixed, particularly effective were the changing skies.

This was a very talented cast in a musical which has an incredibly hard act to follow (the film). I certainly enjoyed my evening and for all those fans of 'Calamity Jane' this all-time favourite isn't worth missing. So, altogether now, "Take me back to the Black Hills, the Black Hills of Dakota.............."

The Tick List

Cast:

Story: 

Music: 

Costumes:

Overall: 

Buy tickets for events:

Sponsors