Queensland Theatre’s Calamity Jane at the Bille Brown Theatre is a theatrical joyride that grips the audience from the moment Naomi Price barrels onto the stage (or rather, through the audience). A raucous, immersive experience packed with wit, charm, and an unapologetic sense of fun, this production doesn’t just break the fourth wall—it obliterates it.
While the musical version of Calamity Jane takes creative liberties, it stays true to the spirit of the 1953 film. Fans of the classic will recognize beloved songs like Secret Love and The Black Hills of Dakota, while the character dynamics, particularly the tension and eventual romance between Calamity and Wild Bill Hickok, echo the film’s iconic moments. The stage version cleverly updates these elements, adding new layers of humor and modern references, but still captures the timeless charm of the original, making it a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Naomi Price is a force of nature as the titular gunslinger, delivering a performance that is both hilariously chaotic and deeply heartfelt. Her comedic instincts are razor-sharp, playing off the audience with effortless ease, making every interaction feel spontaneous. One moment she’s bellowing with bravado, the next she’s baring a softer side in a stirring rendition of The Black Hills of Dakota. She embodies Calamity with such raw authenticity that it’s impossible not to root for her, whether she’s swaggering through town or fumbling her way through an awkward romance.
Every member of the cast is a powerhouse performer, many pulling double (or triple) duty with multiple roles, instruments, and accents.
Darcy Brown as Francis Fryer steals scene after scene with impeccable physical comedy, particularly in a cross-dressing number that left the audience howling. His honeybee impersonation is the kind of absurd brilliance that sticks with you long after the curtain falls. Brown’s ability to switch between exaggerated physicality and subtle comedic timing makes Francis an audience favorite. His interactions with Juliette Coates’ Adelaide Adams are both endearing and riotously funny, as he fumbles his way through mistaken identities and over-the-top performances.
Andrew Buchanan’s Henry Miller is the perfect flustered straight man amidst the town’s chaos, navigating the wild antics of the Golden Garter Saloon with increasing exasperation. Buchanan’s comedic timing is impeccable, and his ability to turn a simple sigh or bewildered glance into a laugh-out-loud moment is masterful. Beyond that, he juggles multiple roles seamlessly, embodying each character with distinct physicality and personality. His presence helps ground the show’s whirlwind energy, creating a delightful contrast to the larger-than-life characters around him.
Laura Bunting as Katie Brown brings warmth and sincerity to the role, her chemistry with Price’s Calamity adding depth to their evolving friendship. A seasoned musical theatre star, Bunting’s vocals shine in every number, effortlessly capturing Katie’s vulnerability and determination. She delivers Love You Dearly alongside Sean Sinclair’s Danny with a beautiful mix of tenderness and conviction, making it one of the standout musical moments of the show. Her performance is infused with charm and a quiet strength, ensuring that Katie is more than just the ingénue—she is a compelling presence in her own right.
Juliette Coates as Susan delivers a delightful performance as Henry Miller’s eager yet naïve niece. With impeccable comedic timing, she plays Susan as a bright-eyed optimist with a streak of mischievousness, often caught in the whirlwind of Deadwood’s antics. Her presence adds another layer of humor and heart to the production, making her a standout in every scene she’s in. She also played Adelaide Adams with sass and a delightful air of stuck-up confidence. Her interactions with Francis Fryer were both endearing and hilarious, creating some of the most entertaining moments of the show.
Wild Bill Hickok, played by Anthony Gooley is a perfect blend of hilarity, awkwardness, and unexpected charm. His rugged cowboy persona is both commanding and slightly bewildered, making his interactions with Calamity even funnier. His deadpan reactions to the madness unfolding around him contrast beautifully with the high-energy antics of the rest of the cast, creating moments of dry humor that land perfectly. Whether he’s reluctantly swept up in Calamity’s plans or quietly observing the chaos, he remains a steady and entertaining presence on stage.
Sean Sinclair as Lieutenant Danny and Deadwood Dick brings a lively energy to both roles. As Lieutenant Danny, he is endearing and heroic, offering a tender contrast to Calamity’s rough exterior. His comedic timing and chemistry with Laura Bunting’s Katie are excellent, making their duet, Love You Dearly, one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the show. When switching to his role as Deadwood Dick, Sinclair fully embraces the swagger and bravado of a classic Western hero. His transformations between these two characters—completely different in demeanor and energy—showcase his versatility as an actor and a true musical theatre talent.
Nigel Ubrihien, the on-stage musical director, is not only a brilliant musician, playing the piano and other instruments throughout the show, but he also takes on the role of Rattlesnake. His musical talents add an extra dimension to the performance, bringing an organic, live energy to each scene. Ubrihien’s multi-talented approach seamlessly blends his role as the music director with his character portrayal, enriching the production with his dynamic presence.
Forget passive spectatorship—this production places the audience smack dab in the middle of Deadwood. The Bille Brown Theatre is transformed into a lively saloon, with audience members seated onstage as honorary patrons of the Golden Garter. The actors weave in and out of the crowd, engaging directly with spectators, sometimes handing them props or playfully roping them into the action. This creates an electricity in the room—every moment feels alive, unpredictable, and utterly delightful.
This Calamity Jane doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The show is peppered with clever contemporary references, making it feel fresh and immediate. From nods to recent political shake-ups to cheeky asides about Elon Musk and the latest cyclone, the script is wonderfully self-aware, grounding the show’s humor in the here and now without ever feeling forced.
Beyond their acting chops, the cast is a band in their own right, seamlessly incorporating live instrumentation into the show. Actors switch between fiddle, banjo, and accordion mid-scene, adding to the down-home charm of the production. This level of multi-skilled performance makes the musical numbers feel organic, as if the whole town of Deadwood just happens to be brimming with talent.
The fun doesn’t end with the curtain call. As the audience spills out into the foyer, the cast keeps the party going with an impromptu musical jam session, complete with tap-dancing and lively improvisation. It’s the perfect way to send the audience home still buzzing with energy, a reminder that theatre, at its best, is a communal, joyous experience.
This production of Calamity Jane is a masterclass in how to breathe new life into a classic. With its sharp humor, inventive staging, and fearless performances, it’s a show that doesn’t just entertain—it pulls you in, spins you around, and leaves you grinning from ear to ear. An absolute must-see for anyone who loves theatre that dares to be bold, boisterous, and utterly brilliant.
TICKETS
Now playing at the Bile Brown Theatre until 17 April!
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The Fame Reporter 