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 Samantha Grundy worked hard as the gun-toting ‘Calamity’, perhaps a little more feistiness was needed, but she kept the shows pace going and was vocally strong, whilst her ‘Secret Love’ Wild Bill Hickcock, effectively played by Bob Christie, 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 Howard St Quentin, and Daisy Skyrme made a good Katie Brown, she was comfortable in the part and sang well. Josh Callon executed his role well and gave a believable performance as Lieut. Danny Gilmartin. Mick Malkin was the perpetually harassed Henry Miller and his charming niece Susan was confidently played by Grace Heap. Teri Foley did a good job in the small part of Adelaide Adams, she looked the part and also made the most of it. I must compliment ‘Doc’ Derek Roberts, ‘Joe’ Tom Beck, and ‘Rattlesnake’ Richard Tyler, you all made your mark. All other parts were performed well. 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.

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