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Macclesfield Paper (Unknown) - also extract from Theatre newsletter

Calamity Jane (1979)

"No Calamities in giant size success"

Pint sized Carol Dabbs was a giant success in the title role of the Majestic Theatre Group's production of Calamity Jane this week.

Carol bubbled with personality and met with roarious applause from the audience.

Once again the M.T.G. lived up to their fine reputation and there was little evidence of first night nerves. The production was obviously well rehearsed and all the players were confident and assured.

A delightful performance was given by William Lees as Francis Fryer, the ill fated actor, particularly his scene in drag. Jennie Dixon added a touch of glamour as Katie Brown, Tony Siddons made a rugged but dashing Wild Bill Hichcock and harry Newton was well case as the romantic Liet. Danny Gilmartin

Special mention must go to the chorus who were in fine form and sang with enthusiasm and vigour. The five dancing girls were extremely well rehearsed and choreography, make up, stage and costume were as usual, just right.

This is a show not to be missed and judging by its reception on Monday night, it will be remembered for some time.

This 10th production was produced by Pat Penney for the first time and was directed by John Hedley Palin

MMTG Newsletter - November 1979

"Calamity Jane"

Last month's rip-roaring Western musical is now a warm memory and I understand was a financial as well as an artistic success. Pat Penney as a new producer was "blooded" and I think she might well agree with the term as, for the first time in the Group's short history, the leading principal became prey to a form of laryngitis which resulted in loss of voice on the Thursday night. It is a mark of the dogged courage of this player that Carol Dabbs with the title role mimed her part with professionalism and dedicate while supporting team of members both front and back stage were able vocally to £dub£ the performance on Friday. To everyone's joy we were back on Saturday night to "business as usual". The Group is indebted to Barbara Herd and Sheila Holmes for their contribution, unique in the annal of the society. This show was also a first for a performance in "drag", convincingly carried out by Willie Lees who shaved off his moustache for the occasion (I am looking forward sometime to a bass shaving his head for the "King and I" Ed.) The new girls (Jenny Dixon, Olive Connor and Diane McIntyre all made an impact on our audiences which augurs well for future shows. With Tony Siddons as "Anchor Man" and Harry Newton as the gallant "lootenant", the show went with zest and zip.

The chorus which included probably the best men's singing in the Group's history, thoroughly enjoyed themselves particularly in the "free-for-alls" at the Golden Garter which was suitably and attractively garnished by the dancing team's routines which underlined Jean Patterson's work as chorographer. From the chorus point of view, the show was perhaps one of the most enjoyable we have done and the compelling and singable numbers remained in memory, both of player and audiences, long afterwards.

Keith Yearsley controlled both chorus and an improved orchestra well while the complicated stagework under John Meadowcroft's direction was as impressive as ever. As usual John H Palin drew all the strings together as director of Production and with Pat Penney, how must have lost pounds as well as her voice on occasion, brought off another winner for the Group.