A Cute, Classic, Countrified Musical
The Wild West rides into Wimbledon with Calamity Jane the Musical, currently playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre. A musical very much of its time—but still a rootin’-tootin’ fun time.
Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane and the cast
Based on the iconic 1953 Doris Day film and the real-life legend herself, this stage musical follows the sharp-shooting, tough-talking, pants-wearing Calamity Jane (Carrie Hope Fletcher) in the small town of Deadwood, Dakota, in the 1870s. When the town’s theatre director promises to bring a glamorous actress to their dusty corner of the world—much to the delight of its starved residents—multiple cases of mistaken identity lead to chaos, comedy, and unexpected romance. Calamity steps in to save the day while navigating her love-hate relationship with Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle) and a crush on Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson), only to have her plans disrupted by the arrival of the charming Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies).
Seren Sandham-Davies as Katie Brown
Carrie Hope Fletcher fully inhabits the role of Calamity Jane, delivering a performance packed with grit, heart, and vocal firepower. Her impeccable comedic timing and commanding stage presence prove once again why she remains one of the West End’s brightest stars. The actor-musician ("actor-muso") element of the show is a welcome surprise, showcasing a talented cast that switches seamlessly between acting, singing, dancing, and playing instruments—particularly fitting in a show-within-a-show setting.
While the score may not offer many instantly recognisable tunes, what it lacks in memorability it makes up for with sheer in-the-moment mesmerising magic. The classic country sounds are perfectly paired with Nick Winston’s high-energy choreography, full of line dancing and toe-tapping hoedowns.
Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane
Matthew Wright’s set design transports the audience to a classic Western saloon-turned-theatre, complete with its own on-stage stage. While there may be an expectation for the backdrop to transform—particularly when Calamity ventures beyond Deadwood in search of the coveted actress—the production remains rooted in a single set. Still, the clever use of multi-purpose props and Tim Mitchell’s atmospheric lighting does a fine job of evoking new locales, from Chicago to Calamity’s home and the winding roads of the Wild West.
If you're after a countrified night of line dancing, mistaken identity, straight-shooting, and romantic entanglements, saddle up and catch Calamity Jane before it leaves Wimbledon on May 17. The show continues its UK tour through September 2025—don’t miss your chance to see this musical treat.
★★★★
Book your tickets here.
Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane and the cast
Gifted press tickets
Photo credit: Mark Senior
