Calamity Jane

Milton Keynes Theatre 25th - 29th November 2014

Jodie Prenger hits the stage in this utterly brilliant entertaining production of Calamity Jane.

This is the story of a rootin’ tootin’ gun slinging gal from Deadwood, Dakota - hard-nosed, boastful and desperate to impress, Calamity travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit the much admired theatre star Adelaide Adams…

It doesn't all go to plan however, as the showgirl brought back to perform for the townsfolk of Deadwood isn't all she seems.

As everyone in the town, including the man she secretly loves, favours the new girl in town, Calamity struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check.  It takes her long time “enemy” Wild Bill Hickok to make her see the error of her ways…and to realise her real Secret Love!

Jodie was the winner of I’d Do Anything on BBC TV, giving her the opportunity to play Nancy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End revival of the much loved “Oliver!” which set her on her theatre career path.

Prenger is a true leading lady, a total star and owned the stage – she gave the role everything.  She was born to entertain and the role of Calamity allows her to showcase her many talents. You can see why Jodie Prenger is one of the UK’s most loved, talented and popular theatre actresses.

Jodie steals the show with her stunning vocals, she brought an authentic warmth to the role.  Absolutely fantastic!

With an Oscar nominated score that includes The Black Hills of Dakota, The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack Away), Just Blew in from the Windy City and of course the award winning, Secret Love - this production will make you smile from the first strum of the banjo as the notes from Black Hills are recognised, and you will still be smiling until the very end of this rip roaring show!

There are quality performances from the entire talented cast - Tom Lister (Wild Bill Hickok) who commands the stage from his very first entrance, he delivers a powerful and moving vocal and Phoebe Street (Katie Brown) sweetly delivers her roll to perfection.

Huge accolades should go to the whole cast of uber talented performers who can sing, dance, play an instrument AND act so effortlessly well.

The set and costumes by Matthew Wright are truly inspired, there are several scenes during the show where there is a need for true imagination – Wright has made it so easy and is creatively brilliant.

Calamity Jane is very witty, lots of fun and a heartwarming love story. This is outstanding entertainment, a definite one to see.  Catch up with the Deadwood Stage…Whip-Crack Away!  Yee-Hah!

Lily B X