‘So Whip-Crack Away, Whip-Crack Away, Whip-Crack Away!’ – Calamity Jane, Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 16.09.2025
I was so excited to be back at the Churchill, I didn’t realise how long it had been since I was in an audience and I couldn’t wait to be seated in the auditorium for tonight’s opening performance and press night Calamity Jane!
In the heart of the Wild West, Calamity Jane follows the story of a fearless, gun-slinging frontierswoman in Deadwood, Dakota, whose rough exterior hides a vulnerable heart. Tasked with bringing a glamorous stage actress to town, Calamity finds herself tangled in a web of mistaken identity, rivalry, and unexpected romance. As she navigates love, jealousy, and self-discovery—particularly in her relationships with Wild Bill Hickok and Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin—Jane must reconcile her fiercely independent spirit with her longing for connection. Featuring classic songs like “The Deadwood Stage” and “Secret Love”, this lively, updated production blends humour, heart, and a fresh take on gender roles in a toe-tapping tale of transformation and true love.
I was a complete newbie to this musical, so I went in fresh not knowing what to expect. But, I knew it would have a grand uplift, with its creative team behind it. Director Nikolai Foster and Co-Director and Choreographer Nick Winston, allowed no step to go out of time, no note to be unsung and with the performers on top of that were playing live instruments on stage! They all made it look easy and it was a pure delight to see so much talent on one stage. You can see there is much love for this musical with as the buzz from the audience, but also a little sing song that warmed through the auditorium. It’s great to see that touring productions such as these, that allow this classic musical to keep it alive for new generations!
The cast tonight, had already shown they were talented from the get go supporting the leading cast perfectly and they looked like a blended family – or colony that would look out for one another as it should be in the story. Carrie Hope Fletcher, fills the boots of the leading lady Calamity Jane! Originated by Doris Day (which can be seen as big boots to fill) Carrie not only proved she could take on the role with ease but also bring her own style and take to the character. She had great comic timing, a voice to suit each song, and it was great to see her get her dance or line dancing on! She felt like she was very comfortable in the role and each scene and note just came at ease!
Accompanying her on stage was Vinny Coyle as Will Bill Hickok returning after a small break, Vinny returns with the dark witted cowboy. From the moment, he steps on the the stage there is a strong presence around him, that was respected. Vinny’s relationship with Carrie is strong and you can tell they are enjoying every moment, the classic children in the playground that secretly have a crush play – but adult version!
Then their was the supporting leads, who all had their moment to shine on the stage Samuel Holmes was as Francis Fryer was a personal highlight for me – and stole the hearts of many in the audience, given them laugh out loud moments which is amazing comical abilities, I would have loved to have seen more from him!
The current touring production of Calamity Jane breathes fresh life into this beloved classic, blending its timeless charm with a bold, modern energy. With vibrant performances, iconic songs, and a story that still resonates today, it’s a joyful celebration of love, identity, and frontier spirit. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, this revival offers a rollicking, heartfelt night of theatre that’s sure to leave audiences smiling all the way home.
Playing at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 20th September, for ticket information go here. It then finishes its current tour in Bristol Hippodrome.
