| DATE | 20th April 2023 |
|---|---|
| SOCIETY | Fatfield Musical Stage Society |
| VENUE | Park View School, Chester-le-street |
| TYPE OF PRODUCTION | Musical |
| DIRECTOR | Helen Abraham |
| MUSICAL DIRECTOR | Thomas Hindmarch |
| CHOREOGRAPHER | Nicola Hindmarch |
Report
Author: Gordon Richardson
I’ve always had a soft spot for Calamity Jane – it was my first show I performed in as an adult, therefore, it was a pleasure to attend Fatfield MSS’s version of it. This was Fatfield’s first venture outside of their traditional ‘home’ when having to move due to logistical problems, they settled on Park View School Chester-le-street as the venue for ‘Deadwood’.
Many familiar faces greeted me on stage and a friendly welcome ahead of curtain up as we are introduced to the characters in the long introductory scene. Bill Hickock (Ethan Roberts) predictably playing poker looking suitably menacing; Henry Miller (Kevin Thornhill) – every inch the anxious, anxiety-ridden proprietor of the Golden Garter Saloon – a demeanour he kept up throughout the production, much to the amusement of the audience; his long-suffering niece Susan Miller (Kathryn Leonard) who impressed with her calm exterior whilst chaos was occurring around her.
The stage lit up at the introduction of the titular character ‘Calam’ (Laura Dollimore) who commanded the space around her and enamoured the audience. Her acting and portrayal of the frontierswoman was exemplary. Her sidekick (and shotgun rider on the coach), Rattlesnake, (Norma Ord) was predictably loud of personality and stole the scenes she was on with her stammering and ‘cheeky’ behaviour.
On the arrival of Francis Fryer (with an I – Freddie Scott) the long-awaited ‘actress’ to the Golden Garter the pace quickened again, as ‘Francis’ regaled us with his song and dance routine which was a hit with the audience (and the ‘interested’ Susan Miller). Freddie came into his own as the ‘actress’ complete with Shirley Temple wig and dress performed ‘Hive full of Honey’ leaving the audiences in stitches in his unfamiliar gender role.
Calam’s love interest Danny Gilmartin (Adam Potter) looked the part of the dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort and he seemed the only man that Calam would ‘swoon’ over.
In a traditional ‘Calam’ mistake, she sets off on a mission to go to Chicago to book the services of big cabaret star Adelaide Adams (beautifully sang and acted by Steph Corbett looking every inch of the big star she was supposed to be). Steph demeanour in dealing with the stage-door Johnies was sycophantic belying her private distain. Calam ends up hearing Adelaide’s maid sing and, by mistake, ends up employing the services of Katie Brown (Lucy Hill) instead.
Arriving in Deadwood the nervous Katie provides a lacklustre introductory act to the patrons of the Golden Garter until encouraged by Calam to ‘sing it as yourself’ to rapturous applause making her an instant hit with the whole patronage , especially the men, in the saloon – including Danny and Bill.
Of course, nothing runs smooth in a story such as this and the friendship of Katie and Calam as they share Calam’s cabin together is severely tested when Calam finds out of the love interest between Katie and Danny during the moving ‘Love your Dearly’ number between them which came across as very natural and genuine. Both Adam and Lucy acted well together and had great chemistry.
Katie’s ‘infidelity’ as seen by Calam causes her to run Katie out of town. Calam, however, realises her error as the fledgling, whilst unexpected (to both of them), romance between Calam and Bill in the iconic and beautifully rendered ‘Secret Love’ is revealed – Ethan and Laura responding well together and it was obvious to all that the audience loved this twist and the couple were given a rapturous ovation at the end of the number by the almost full auditorium.
The result of the twists is a triple wedding of Francis and Susan; Danny and Katie; and finally Bill and Calamity.
This however is not simply a principal show, the chorus (mainly female led) played their part with a lovely rendition of perhaps my favourite number, Black Hills of Dakota, with atmospheric lighting and superb harmonies. Minor roles of Doc (Ronnie Monaghan); Joe (Em Harrison); Hank (Oscar McCoy); Peter (Matthew Monaghan); and Colonel (Ron Monaghan) all played their parts to arrive at an enjoyable production finale.
Well done to Helen as director, Thomas as MD (and his superb band) and Nicola as Choreographer for providing such entertainment after three years in the wilderness for Fatfield during the pandemic. Well done also to the ‘tech team’ who kept the stage running smoothly and Martyn for the crisp clear sound.
Looking forward already to ‘Barnum’ next year…