BACK in 1852 Martha Jane Cannary was born, in later years she was christened 'Calamity Jane' during a campaign at Goose Creek by Capt Egan who she successfully rescued after he was shot and getting him safely to the Fort. On recovering, Capt Egan laughingly said: 'I name you Calamity Jane, the heroine of the plains' considered to be a remarkable good shot and the most reckless and daring rider in the western country - in 1953 Doris Day starred as Calamity in Calamity Jane a 'Wild West' film musical alongside Howard Keel as Wild Bill Hickok which is based on the life of the heroine and their alleged romance.

A creative and imaginative single set, a stage within a stage is really clever, the stagecoach scene is terrific and using the oh so talented actor/musicians is inspired.

Jodie Prenger 'Calam' winner of BBC's I'd Do Anything and Tom Lister 'Wild Bill' (Emmerdale) have a natural chemistry. Prenger has great stage presence and her interpretation of Secret Love  was worth waiting for, Prenger and Lister both put their heart and souls into their performance. 

Host of the Golden Garter at Deadwood is Henry Miller who wants to offer more sophisticated entertainment, Calam travels to Chicago to recruit Adelaid Adams to become the star turn in the local saloon. Unbeknown to her she returns with Adams' maid, Katie Brown, initially the locals are not happy with this however they rapidly fall in love with her - who needs Adelaid Adams when you have Phoebe Street  as (Katie Brown)...

Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (who Calamity thinks she is in love with) and Katie fall for each other and Calamity goes off on one.

Meanwhile it takes her long standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise that her secret love is looking her in the face.

The finale is one big hoe down, Let's all go to to the Black Hills... there were plenty of people humming The Deadwood Stage as we left the theatre.

A thoroughly enjoyable show that runs until Saturday, 25th October at the Bristol Hippodrome.