Review: Calamity Jane

The whip-crackin’ musical comedy classic Calamity Jane has thundered into Wolverhampton, bringing all the charm, humour, and heart of the much-loved film to the stage. This lively Watermill Theatre production is a feel-good treat packed with energy, wit, and nostalgia.

The cast are an absolute delight, throwing themselves into the action with infectious enthusiasm. One of the real joys of this production is seeing the musicians on stage, seamlessly woven into the story. Their multi-rolling adds a wonderful layer of creativity and keeps the show buzzing with life.

This feels like a classic that hasn’t had too much of a revamp — in a good way. It’s the sort of musical whose style is in the small, thoughtful details, creating a nostalgic sense of almost another world.

Photo credit: Mark Senior

As someone who loves the original film, I was struck by how captivating and entertaining this version is. It captures the spirit of the story while offering a fresh theatrical spark. Carrie Hope Fletcher, in particular, really embodies the essence of Calamity — bold, brash, and ultimately warm-hearted. Her performance feels true to the character, and it was a pleasure to see her bring that energy to the stage.

Packed with iconic songs including The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love, the show is a crowd-pleasing celebration of a beloved classic. By the end, the Wolverhampton audience was grinning, clapping, and cheering along — proof that Calamity Jane still has plenty of whip-crackin’ magic.

The show keeps whip-cracking away in Wolverhampton until 13th September — tickets are available via the Grand Theatre website: grandtheatre.co.uk. Don’t miss it, partner — it’d be a mighty shame!