Calamity Jane at the Churchill Theatre Bromley

Calamity Jane is based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, and this production starred Carrie Hope Fletcher. I was not sure how it would transcend into a musical stage show but I was not disappointed.

The gun slinging' tomboy Calamity Jane – biggest mouth in Dakota territory - was always up for a fight. She rescued the dashing Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, from the Indians but in an exaggerated story. But when the men of Deadwood fell for Chicago stage star Adelaid Adams, Calamity promised to bring this big star back from Chicago. Unfortunately, she mistook Katie, the maid, for Adelaid Adams and persuaded her to come back to Deadwood. However, Katie was found out as not being the big star. Calam felt sorry for her and invited her to share her cabin. At a dance, Calam saw that her Lieutenant fell in love with Katie and told her to get out of town. Wild Bill Hickock then declared his love for Calam and she realised she loved him too. All was well that ended well with Calam stopping Katie from leaving and a double wedding. With the classic songs The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and Secret Love it made for a very enjoyable and entertaining afternoon!

Contributed by Linda Baker