Step into the Old West with Long Eaton Operatic Society’s rollicking production of Calamity Jane! From the moment the band strikes up, you’re whisked away to the dusty streets where charm, chaos, and catchy tunes come alive. With a spirited cast and a heap of heart this show is a joyful reminder of why community theatre is so beloved. With catchy numbers like “The Deadwood Stage” and “Careless With The Truth,” the society delivers lively, energetic performances, transporting audiences to a time when the Wild West was as untamed as Calamity herself.
Set in the ghost town of Deadwood, Dakota, the musical centres around the misadventures of the wild and spirited Calamity Jane (Aimee Chilton), a gun-toting frontierswoman, who often finds herself in scrapes and misunderstandings. Proudly independent, she’s as comfortable telling tall tails to the local men as she is riding her horse through the dusty trails. But her life takes a turn when she sets off to bring a famous actress, Adelaide Adams (Lisa Stone), to Deadwood, only to accidentally bring back wannabe performer Katie Brown (Becky Morley). Despite the mix-up, Katie charms the townsfolk and soon becomes the centre of attention at the Golden Garter Saloon.
Meanwhile, Calamity struggles with her feelings for Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Jack David), even as her old friend Wild Bill Hickock (Adam Worton) starts to realise that he might just be falling for her. Amidst love triangles, misunderstandings, and a newfound rivalry with Katie, Calamity finds herself confronting her softer, more feminine side. As the chaos unravels, she learns that maybe there’s more to love than she first thought. With humour, heartfelt moments, and plenty of Western flair, Calamity Jane offers a heartwarming tale of love and self discovery.
Aimee Chilton brings boundless energy to the role of Calamity, commanding the stage with her infectious enthusiasm. Chilton’s high-octane performance keeps the audience engaged throughout the performance, although I would urge her to slow down a bit to let her witty lines shine through and not become muddled. Adam Worton’s Wild Bill Hickock is a standout, offering both humour and depth. Whilst his painted-on beard and glossy hair might have caused a few chuckles during the interval, Worton proved to be a crowd favourite as he received roars of applause during the bows. Simon Parker also earned his ovation for his perfect comic timing and physicality as the jittery saloon owner, Henry Miller.
The show’s ensemble numbers are a treat, with the whole cast bringing the Golden Garter Saloon to life through lively choreography, and vocals filling the auditorium. George Parkinson’s musical direction ensures that the live band supports each song with rich dynamics, adding plenty of atmosphere to both the raucous and tender moments. And, while her stage time is brief, Lisa Tone’s silky-smooth vocals as Adelaide Adams make a lasting impression.
Becky Morley and Jack David’s chemistry is another highlight, particularly in their tender duet “Love You Dearly.” It’s the kind of connection that keeps audiences leaning forward in their seats, fully absorbed in the budding romance. I don’t think they lost eye contact at any point during their duet! The pair did a spectacular job, especially when you learn this was Morley's first principal role in a musical - you would never have known.
While the technical side had a few hiccups — like the relentless mic rustling or visible stagehands through the white curtain — these minor issues didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the show. The simple set and lighting design let the cast take centre stage keeping the focus squarely on the storytelling. Director, Elle Bates, and Assistant Director, Rhodri Denton, made the right decision to emphasise the story and character-driven elements of the show, allowing the actors to build these rich characters, creating a performance that felt genuine.
Having never seen this musical before, I can honestly say it was a privilege to see such a wonderful group of people clearly enjoying their experience of telling this story on stage. Special mentions go to; Molly Parkinson’s choreography, which was an effective blend of musical theatre and Western barn-dancing styles; Graham Buchanan’s wonderfully expressional Doc; Jack Woolley as the comic relief Francis Fryer; and the lovely Rachelle Bragg as Susan.
Calamity Jane is a warm, entertaining ride through the Wild West, brought to life by a passionate and talented company. It’s the reality of Am-Dram — where everyone is clearly having a blast, and that joy spills over into the audience. If you’re looking for a night of toe-tapping tunes and old-fashioned fun, saddle up and head over to the May Hall, Trent College, before the show rides off into the sunset on October 26th. With reasonably priced tickets, you’ll want to catch this energetic performance before they take on the mighty Made In Dagenham in April 2025.
Cast
Aimee Chilton - Calamity Jane
Adam Worton - Wild Bill Hickock
Becky Morley - Katie Brown
Jack David - Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin
Jack Woolley - Francis Fryer
Simon Parker - Henry Miller
Rachelle Bragg - Susam
Graham Buchanan - Doc
Lisa Stone - Adelaide Adam
Dan Bates - Rattlesnake
Amy Parker - Jo
Angela Walters - Flo
Charlotte Buchanan - Can-Can Dancer
Josie Coleman - Can-Can Dancer
Lauren Riley - Can-Can Dancer
Molly Parkinson - Can-Can Dancer
Nicola Adcock - Can-Can Dancer
Victoria Palmer - Can-Can Dancer
Dave O'Neal - Ensamble
Eleanor Harvey - Ensamble
John East - Ensamble
John Paxton - Ensamble
Laura Lawless - Ensamble
Nikola Smith - Ensamble
Rhodri Denton - Ensemble
Shan Bhumbra - Ensamble
Tracy Hooton - Ensamble
Creatives
Elle Bates - Director
Rhodri Denton - Assistant Director
Molly Parkinson - Choreographer
George Parkinson - Musical Director
Oliver Milton - Assistant Musical Director
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