“Calamity Jane” by West Bridgford Operatic Society
The Space, Girls High School, Nottingham.

Calamity Jane’s reputation in Deadwood rests on her behaving more like the guys than the gals, but it’s not until the handsome Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin gets a rival for his affections in the stage star Adelaide Adams that Jane starts to soften her tomboy persona. After a slight misunderstanding involving Adelaide’s dresser, Katie Brown, a joyous and fun love triangle evolves.

Paige Shaw is our leading lady Calamity Jane. She is fiery and Paige plays a wonderful tomboy with plenty of zeal and shows that she can sing a great comic song as well as belt out that wonderful ballad "Secret Love" Her dance moves are mighty fine as well.

Clare Boxer plays Katie Brown and a lovely fun character to play. You can see by Clare's twinkle in her eyes that she is adoring playing this role.

Bill Hickok is played by Ian Pottage, and he has big cowboy boots to fill as we remember Howard Keel playing this part in the film. Big boots they may be but Ian has a great voice and I soon forgot all about Keel. Ian duetting with Paige in "Finaletto" and "Secret Love" is just sublime.

Francis Fryer, who is mistaken for Frances Fryer, is played by Richard Ives and a lovely comic role for Richard.

Alasdair Maughan plays Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, who also gets to showcase his vocal talents in his duet with Clare on "Love You Dearly"

We don't get to see too much of Lauren Gill as the diva Adelaide Adams but even in a cameo, she makes an impact.

David Gyles gets to play Henry Miller and Henry's daughter, Susan, is played by Louise Grantham, who gets her own happy ending - Susan that is - but both David and Louise must also be chuffed with the reception they got at the final bows.

There's a large chorus which really makes a lovely full sound and they fill the stage perfectly. This looks really impressive when in the dance sections, gorgeously choreographed by Maxine Loydall with some very energetic routines.

Directed, and Musically Directed by Meng Khaw and with the 16 piece band he presides over, this score sounds as lush and layered as the original. Songs like “The Windy City”, The Deadwood Stage”, “Secret Love”, “The Eagle & The Hawk”, “A Woman’s Touch” and “The Black Hills Of Dakota” feature among several others that were written but not used in the original film which starred Doris Day and Howard Keel.

Lovely clear sound (Rob Kettridge) and some excellent lighting (Richard Warriner) and the stage projection looks incredible, especially in "Black Hills Of Dakota" when the moon is on the rise. the Design for this is also something we have to pat Meng Khaw on the back for.

Loved the costumes (Ann Thomas) which really gave a special feel to the whole shebang, as did the set design, by another very talented drama group, Blind Eye Productions.

This musical has fun written all over it and explodes with energy and colour from the first song to the finale. Wonderfully uplifting which will have you leaving the theatre with a big smile on your face.

“Calamity Jane” is at The Space at The Girls High School on Arboretum Street until Saturday 23 February 2019. What better way to start your weekend.

Photos by Gavin Mawditt and David Gyles