Review: Calamity Jane, The Place@Oakengates

The near 50-strong cast of Telford and District Light Operatic Players (Tadlop) has pulled out all the stops with an all-singing, all-dancing performance of Calamity Jane.

There was can-can, garters and shots fired at the wild west show at The Place@Oakengates last night.

The Dakota-based musical, featuring 16 songs, was the first performance Tadlop put on back in 1972 and to celebrate the anniversary some of the original cast members were at the debut of the latest show last night.

The audience was treated to belting renditions of 'The Deadwood Stage' and 'Careless with the Truth.' If not tapping their toes or swaying to the music provided by the 10-man orchestra, they were jumping at the sound of guns or singing along with classic songs.

Tomboy Calamity, played by Emma Burrows who is a relatively new member of the group, danced around the stage in her boots with the men but stopped to let out an angelic voice.

Paul Roberts gave a humorous and soul-filled performance as Wild Bill Hickock.

But it wasn't just the principals that made the show, it was the brilliance of the entire cast from Stephen Davies as Francis Fryer to Stephen Venezia as Henry Miller.

You could be forgiven for thinking a cast from America was on tour, but the authentic costumes and accents were all created here in Telford.

In the programme notes president Glennis Mansell, said: "When we look back at our first ever show, I doubt whether any of the society thought that we would be here 40 years later.

"We have enjoyed performing shows of different genres. We hope to continue for many more years."

The show will run at the theatre until Saturday evening, including a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Dani Wozencroft