Calamity Jane

This was a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment, ‘Calamity’ is a lively show, full of good tunes which are melodic and memorable and have the advantage that the audience recognise many of them.

In the title role Katerina Ayres worked hard as the gun-toting ‘Calamity’, she kept the shows pace going and was vocally strong. Anyone who is familiar with the show has certain expectations of “Secret Love” and the good ol’ folks of Hertford are no exception. However, not the most vocally comfortable for this actress, never the less, she sang with feeling and put the meaning of the song over with conviction.

I would liked to have seen a bigger contrast between her “wild” side and her softer side because for me she was far too clean and well presented at the beginning of the story and hair and makeup never changed. Visually, apart from wearing a dress there was no obvious difference in the way she looked. When one aspires to a high standard of performance, seemingly small points do matter.

 Wild Bill Hickcock, effectively played by David Bottomley, was the perfect foil, and I very much enjoyed his singing of ‘Higher Than A Hawk’.

Song and dance man Francis Fryer was admirably played by James Reynolds. There was a vulnerability about this young mans characterization which I enjoyed very much, well done.

Katy Bovaird made a good Katie Brown. She was comfortable in the part and sang well. “A Woman’s Touch” complemented both Katy and Calamity and choreography utilised the cabin setting perfectly.

Graham Duncan executed his role well and gave a believable performance as Lieut. Danny Gilmartin. Facial expression was good and there was a relaxed feeling about his characterisation in those “off duty” moments.

Neil Lyons was the perpetually harassed Henry Miller and his charming niece Susan was confidently played by Gemma Pobjoy.

Sami Underwood, although suffering from laryngitis on the night I attended, did a good job in the small part of Adelaide Adams. She looked the part and also made the most of it.

All other parts were performed well.

Choreography was well executed with a high kicking Cancan and some excellent footwork by some young male dancers.

The chorus were excellent, they brought to life some of the great songs, such as ‘Windy City’, ‘Deadwood Stage’ but my favourite was ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’, this was exceptionally well sung with lovely harmonies.

The set and props all looked good with colourful costumes, all on stage were thoroughly enjoying themselves and this came over to the audience. As always a very good orchestra under the experienced baton of Andy Merryfield.

Congratulations to all.

Thanking you once again for your hospitality,

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