This stage version of the highly successful film, that stared Doris Day, is full of lively action, comedy, mistaken identities plus a large helping of romance.

The rowdiness of the Wild West is fully captured in the direction and the choreography but at times the raucousness in the first act tends to drown dialogue and lyrics.

However things quieten down especially when Tom Lister (Wild Bill Hickok) delivers the gentle ballad My Heart Is Higher Than a Hawk. And of course with Black Hills of Dakota.

TV favorite, Jodie Prenger steps into Miss Day’s buckskins, relishing the role of Calamity which allows her to be both comic and poignant – her rendering of Secret Love is beautifully moving.

There is a stand out singing and dancing performance from Phoebe Street whilst Rob Delaney’s slow motion, knock-kneed stage exit is hilarious and worth the price of a ticket alone.

Being a Watermill Theatre production it came as no surprise to find their house style of using actor/musicians, rather than a separate band, prevails. This extra discipline presents no problem to the splendid cast.

After the curtain call they launch into a rip-roaring hoedown that has the audience whooping for more.