Following numerous highly acclaimed productions that include Sweeney Todd and Sunset Boulevard, The Watermill Theatrereturns with a new production of the classic musical Calamity Jane. Starring Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Spamalot and One Man Two Guvnors) alongside a cast of multi-talented actor/musicians, this brand new production gets to the heart and soul of the musical. Read more …
Calamity Jane can outrun and outshoot any man in Deadwood. Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams. But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes her long standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her Secret Love…
A creaky story which peaks too soon but with some cracking performances.
A solid, uplifting show which puts the music and the performances centre stage, allowing the romance and comedy to shine right through. And yes, you will believe that the pines are so high that they kiss the sky, as the Black Hills of Dakota whispers as a theme tune, in and out of the whole production.
Prenger and Lister seal this revival of Calamity Jane as an utter delight. Director Nikolai Foster crafts a superb musical which ends with roars of appreciation from a thoroughly entertained audience.
The first act seems disjointed and though long, doesn’t seem to cover much ground, the second and much more enjoyable act on the other hand, drives along at whip-cracking pace, bringing the romp to its happy conclusion.
The standing ovation at the end was very well deserved and the audience left the theatre ‘high as a hawk’.
A brilliant performance that cannot be faulted.
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh from Tuesday September 23, 2014, until Saturday September 27, 2014. More info: www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk
King's Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday June 16, 2015, until Saturday June 20, 2015. More info: www.theambassadors.com/kings/
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