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Sarah Crown
Theatre Correspondent
12:51 AM 11th June 2025
arts

Calamity Jane Rides High in Sheffield with Star-Studded Cast and Swinging Success

The Cast Of Calamity Jane
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
The Cast Of Calamity Jane Photo Credit: Mark Senior
The Deadwood Stage has rolled in from the windy city to Sheffield for the stage version of the well-known and well-loved 1953 film Calamity Jane, the light hearted musical in which Doris Day took the leading role of Calamity.

Calamity is a no nonsense type of a gal with a kind heart and a tendency to exaggerate her many exploits. When her friend, the local saloon owner mistakenly hires a male actor to perform in his saloon, Calamity offers to travel to Chicago and to return with the famous actress, Adelaide Adams. As you may guess there follows a case of mistaken identity and Calamity unknowingly returns to Deadwood with Katie Brown, Adelaide’s maid.

All of the talented actor-musicians who fill the stage, and provide the music, as the good citizens of Deadwood deserve recognition but of the principles, Carrie Hope Fletcher’s many talents are clear – she has wonderful vocals, she can move with ease and she possesses a modicum of comedic talent to boot. Her beautiful voice is clear and rings out the show stopping songs with gusto.

Vinny Coyle (Wild Bill Hickok), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane)
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Vinny Coyle (Wild Bill Hickok), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane) Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Calamity’s love interest is Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle) who possesses a similarly striking stage presence. The chemistry between these two is strong despite their love hate relationship and their duet ‘I Can Do Without You’ is a scene stealer if ever there was one.

Samuel Holmes (Francis Fryer)  Hollie Cassar (Susan)
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Samuel Holmes (Francis Fryer) Hollie Cassar (Susan) Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Samuel Holmes is a comic highlight as Francis Fryer and his romance with Susan, Hollie Cassar whilst unexpected adds to the overall narrative. Molly-Grace Cutler is a brief but beautiful Adelaid Adams whilst Seren Sandham-Davies is undeniably fabulous as Katie Brown delivering a standout performance, managing to convey Katie’s nervous enthusiasm about posing as an experienced actress to almost melting into the background during the second act.

Seren Sandham (Katie Brown)
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
Seren Sandham (Katie Brown) Photo Credit: Mark Senior
The Directors, Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston, have managed to bring the show to life whilst Matthew Wright’s static set design makes ingenious use of props to change location as the story is told. The set is based around the Deadwood saloon which has a proscenium arch for the cabaret performances but for example by rotating the piano and adding a couple of chairs and a wagon wheel we have the deadwood stage coach complete with fluttering parasols. Similarly a pointed saxophone becomes a rifle. Nick Winston’s choreography is especially sharp and brings the group numbers to life. Christopher Mundy, the musical director, also deserves a special mention as his swing band were superb and on stage for the entire performance. The perfect balance was achieved between their instruments and the vocals, with the lyrics being clearly heard throughout the auditorium.

With a plethora of familiar and memorable songs I would defy anyone not to enjoy this fabulous show.

Sheffield Lyceum Until 14th June