The musical “Calamity Jane” is based on Martha Jane Cannary, a woman in the mans world of the 1860s, and her relationship with James Butler Hickok. Now that does not sound much, but if you change their names to Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok you have the basis of a story for the stage and screen. For a night out at the theatre this is great fun, but do not look for anything more.

Calamity Jane is played by Toyah Willcox who gives her all to the part, but unfortunately her singing voice does not possess the vocal range that the part demands, however she deals with this in her own way and puts energy into her acting to over emphasise the part. Probably the hit of the evening was Ian Gareth Jones who played Wild Bill and showed that he has the voice and the acting skills for the part. Pity the cast used face microphones that tended to give a flat monotone echo effect to the singers’ voices as the sound left the speakers. A simple story of two couples each wanting the other’s partner, mixed up with bringing a would be singer to a tavern in the wild west of America. Add to this some superb musical numbers by Sammy Fain, with words to match by Paul Francis Webster, and you have the basis for an enjoyable night at the theatre. The orchestra under the direction of Adam Goodman was well up to the musical score and played with great understanding of what was required of them. The only blemish was the now almost regular use of scaffolding to hold lighting in front of the stage — has lighting man James Whiteside never thought of blending the equipment in with the surroundings?

After showing their appreciation of what they had seen the audience went home happy with what they had experienced. © BA

“Calamity Jane” is in Hull from the 28th of October untill the 2nd November, 2002 and then continues a nation wide tour.