Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane is a wonderful vehicle for a strong female lead and Becca Heywood, as UK Foundation for Dance’s Calam’, didn’t fail to produce the tough and feisty character expected of the title role.  Her commanding singing was honed both in the rousing numbers of the Act 1 including The Deadwood Stage and Windy City, whilst being equally suited to the poignant My Secret Love in Act 2.   Holding a whole show together is no mean feat, and Becca certainly proved up to the task. Supporting this confident Calamity, was the dour Wild Bill Hickok beautifully sung by Damon Hotchin; a pleasing Katie Brown (Josephine Pimm) and a superbly entertaining and engaging Francis Fryer (Stu Large).  Other cast members of note included Georgie Samuels as Adelaide, Pippa Mundey as Susan and Andrew Williams as Hank.  Director Tim Tubbs used a less is more approach to the set and as such the staging and set design was simple yet extremely effective.  The confident placing of the bar in the Golden Garter or the paired back cabin interior, all ensured that the small stage of the YMCA theatre could be used to its full capacity, both in the ensemble numbers and in the more intimate settings.  This together with strong lighting design complimented the overall feel of the show.  The small six piece orchestra was overseen by the skilful direction of Alex Weatherhill, who, on keyboard, ensured the show moved on at pace.  Despite seeing this show on an open dress rehearsal rather than the planned opening night, (first night sales hit by the fact it was Bonfire Night, I think),  it was clear that the future audiences would undoubtedly enjoy this rousing representation of Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

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