‘Rootin’, Tootin’, and Downright Delightful!
Last night (29/07), Milton Keynes was transported to the Wild West, and it was an absolute treat! Calamity Jane was a whip-cracking, toe-tapping adventure from start to finish. I’ll be honest. I’d never seen Calamity Jane before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Well, I can safely say I needn’t have worried — the show was bursting with fun, packed with laughs, and had more heart than I imagined.
From the moment the curtain went up, the energy was high and never let up. The cast came onto the stage with all the swagger and sass you’d hope for in a Wild West tale, and the atmosphere in the theatre was buzzing. The music was catchy, the dancing was lively, and the whole show was a joyful celebration of classic musical theatre. One of my favourite parts was seeing the cast play instruments live on stage — it was such a unique touch! I was truly impressed, and it added so much to the performance. What an incredibly talented group!
In the lead role, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity was outstanding! I knew she would be as I have seen her on stage before! She was funny, feisty, and completely compelling, owning the stage with every scene. Opposite her, Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok was every bit the charming cowboy — smooth, strong, and with vocals that hit all the right notes. Their chemistry was playful and sparky, and by the end, you couldn’t help but cheer them on.
The supporting cast brought just as much sparkle. The ensemble filled the saloon scenes with humour and energy, and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The choreography was sharp, full of character, and perfectly matched the big ensemble numbers.
A special mention must go to Theo Diedrick— someone I had the pleasure of performing with ten years ago (wow! That makes me feel old!). Seeing him bring such energy and heart to the stage again was a real joy and added a lovely personal touch to the evening. Super proud of you Theo!
And the set design! While not flashy, it was cleverly done — rustic backdrops, and colourful materials instantly transported us to the world of Deadwood. It had that warm, nostalgic feel you want from a show like this, and it worked brilliantly.
The songs were a real highlight. The Deadwood Stage, The Black Hills of Dakota, and of course Secret Love were delivered with such charm and talent that even as a newcomer, I found myself tapping along by the end. The whole theatre was clapping and smiling, swept up in the good-natured fun of it all.
Honestly, I left the theatre feeling uplifted! Calamity Jane UK Tour was funny, heartwarming, and packed with toe-tapping numbers. It may not have the pyrotechnics or giant screens of some modern musicals, but it more than makes up for it with personality, talent, and sheer joy.
So, if you’re in Milton Keynes this week and fancy a night of Wild West fun, laughter, and classic musical magic — Calamity Jane is the show for you.
Grab your cowboy boots, saddle up, and get ready for a rip-roaring good time!
Calamity Jane UK Tour is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 2nd August 2025. Tickets are available from £15.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
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