Calamity Jane with West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher rolls into Southampton Mayflower Theatre

SET against the backdrop of country music’s surging popularity, Calamity Jane was a whip-cracking high energy show that had Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre audience dancing in the aisles.

Based on the much-loved 1953 Doris Day movie, the musical production introduces the boisterous, gun slingin’ Calamity Jane, who is never afraid to step up to a challenge.

With a cast led by West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role, this all-American show delivered two-and-a-half hours of delightful escapism, under the direction of Nikolai Foster with co-direction and choreography by Nick Wilson.

Embodying the fearless, independent spirit of the lovable heroine, Carrie Hope Fletcher was superb in her portrayal of Calamity’s rough-and-tumble bravado contrasted with her moments of intense vulnerability. Alongside her, Vinny Coyle demonstrated plenty of rugged charm and wit as the legendary frontiersman Wild Bill Hickok.

The playful love-hate relationship between Calamity and Bill was captured perfectly in the duet I Can Do Without You, which was delivered with superb comic timing.

Luke Wilson was suitably dashing as Calamity’s initial love interest Danny Gilmartin, however, the arrival of the beautiful Katie Brown from Chicago soon threw Calamity’s plans into turmoil. Seren Sandham-Davis shone as the sweet and innocent maid of superstar Adelaid Adams, who suddenly found her own star appeal on stage in the busy Dakota town.

Staging was superb with the backdrop of a Wild West saloon bar masterfully transformed for the various scenes including Calamity’s spit and sawdust home, and a Chicago nightclub. Simple props such as chairs, ladders and parasols were used to brilliant effect to recreate train journeys and carriage trips.

The ensemble cast, many of whom played instruments on stage, brought the bustling town of Deadwood to life with lively choreography and strong vocal performances.

With stunning costumes and lively score including the hits Just blew In From the Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota, Tis Harry I’m Planning to Marry, and Deadwood Stage, there was never a dull moment in this vibrant show.

With a rousing finale featuring a high-stepping hoe-down, Calamity Jane was a perfect night of escapism. Catch it it on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday. For tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk