In the programme they printed the names of the cast of Calamity Jane in alphabetical order. Quite right too, for if ever there was a show in which all 16 artistes were stars, then this was it.

Tuesday's audience at the New Theatre was treated to first-class singing, first-class dancing and first-class musicianship – if that's the word I'm looking for. Dancers became violinists; pianists sang; so did guitarists, saxophonists and cornet players. Even Calamity herself – wonderfully performed by Jodie Prenger – showed she was adept when it came to playing the spoons, a new skill for this highly talented Lancashire lass.

The initial tour of this Watermill Theatre Production, superbly directed by Nikolai Foster, was expected to last six months. However, the company's reputation spread and fresh dates were added. A year into the tour there are still no signs of 'road fatigue'.

Tom Lister is only in his second musical, but he was outstanding as Wild Bill Hickok. And what a voice! He spent nine years hiding it playing Carl King in the northern soap Emmerdale Thank heavens he shook off the farm mud for the Wild West.

Sophia Ragavelas charmed everyone as Katie Brown, the girl who steals the heart of Calamity's first love, Alex Hammond, ideally cast as Danny Gilmartin. Again first-class voices, their duets were a delight.

Bobby Delaney, as Francis Fryer, who early on attempts – unsuccessfully - to convince the patrons of this wild west town that he is a girl contributed much humour to the part, while Sioned [corr] Saunders played Susan, a girl of modest ambition. But there was nothing modest about her performance.

Back to Calamity herself. Jodie Prenger has a rare talent. Her voice is extraordinary, powerful yet never overpowering, Her delivery of 'Secret Love' brought the house to its feet while her dancing though frantic, was always under control. She is also a generous performer, never eclipsing those in less prominent parts. A real team player.

After the show, a knot of fans of all ages waited outside the stage door. A teenage girl whose 'secret love' is the theatre and has dreams of becoming an actress, told Jodie how much she had enjoyed the show. Her words were sincere as was Jodie's embrace and words of encouragement.

Pure gold – that's Jodie Prenger.

Peter Unsworth