Calamity Jane`

If Doris Day was to ever look for an understudy she would need look no further than seeking out Olivia Fisher who has just played the lead role in Chapeltown’s production of Calamity Jane. To say Olivia was perfect would be an understatement, she was excellent and managed to pull out everything in this part to make it a cracking, or should that be “Crack Away” success, Olivia’s mannerisms, vocal abilities and acting qualities were second to none and she was loved by the entire audience. I particularly enjoyed Olivia’s singing of Men and of course My Secret Love which almost brought the house down.

Olivia was well matched with her colleagues on stage who were also able to make this show the success it was, in the part of Wild Bill Hickock was Jonny White who I am sure had all the ladies swooning each time he walked on stage, but it wasn’t just his good looks which made this a good role for Jonny, he was also able to bring the songs to life and act out the part too. I especially enjoyed Jonny’s vocal talents when he sang Higher Than A Hawk, this was perfect and judging by the applause I am sure it was equally enjoyed by everyone. Jonny and Olivia worked extremely well together to make this a truly believable pairing.

Of course Calamity and Bill are not the only pairing in this show, there is also that of Katie Brown and Danny Gilmartin, these two characters were also in the very capable hands of Jenni Newton-Smith and Ben Jackson respectively who made a good match. I particularly enjoyed Jenni’s singing of Keep it Under Your Hat when she was in The Golden Garter, she was able to show off her talents by initially singing the song very nervously and then with much more gusto much to the delight of the audience.

Heading up the comedy was a new comer to Chapeltown; Phil Tuffin who played Francis Fryer, the actor who is mistaken for an actress, his rendition of Hive Full of Honey was very well received by the audience both in the Golden Garter and in the Civic. Francis also has a love interest, Susan, who is the niece of Henry Miller played to the full by Tom Barlow who kept the ever watchful eye on his niece portrayed effortlessly by Connie Grice.

There were also some excellent characterisations in other parts such as Kerry Masson-Wilson who played Adelaide Adams, Amy Palmer as Joe, the bartender in The Golden Garter, Simon Cant as Doc, David Clayton as Rattlesnake, Lee Hilton-Brammer as Hank, Anthony Palmer as Pete plus Michael Parker as a very commanding Colonel.

All the principals were well supported by a good chorus and some excellent Can-Can dancers who all joined forces to deliver a great show to; I am pleased to say, sell out audiences.

Many congratulations to Jan Jackson who directed the entire show, Peter Piper as MD plus Gail Renshaw who did a brilliant job choreographing every number.

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