BELMONT Academy pupils staged a fantastic performance of Calamity Jane which was a sell out on the final night.

The cast took to the stage from Tuesday, November 21 until Friday, November 24 in the Assembly Hall following a programme of intense rehearsals.

The group had been rehearsing since September and it definitely paid off as they retold the story of the technicolour Western musical, released in 1953. 

It is loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and explores an alleged romance between Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in the American Old West.

Set in the lonely Deadwood, Dakota, territory, sharpshooter Calamity Jane falls for cavalry Lt. Danny Gilmartin when she is forced to rescue him from the Indians. 

Recognising that the women-starved townsmen long for a ‘real’ woman, Calamity journeys to Chicago to bring back famous singer Adelaid Adams, but mistakenly brings her maid Katie instead. 

Heartbroken when Danny falls for Katie, Calamity all but ignores her jovial friend Wild Bill Hickok.

Susanne Cassidy, director of the Belmont production, said: “There is a really good feeling of community and the cast all get on well and everyone has had the opportunity to order a Calamity Jane hoodie.

“The chorus are quite young and this is the first time on stage for some of them so they are excited. It is just lovely they all get on so well.

"Calamity Jane was a great choice for us as there are four or five acting parts which don’t involve singing or dancing so there is something for everyone to take part in.

“The technical department have built the bar and the art department have painted the back ground. It is so nice because the kids can see it coming together.”

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights performances were a nearly sold out and the audience joined performances of their favourite songs Just Blew In From The Windy City, The Deadwood Stage and I Can Do Without You.

The final night was emotional for the cast who have become very close over the past two months and there were tears of joy and sadness as this will be some pupil’s last opportunity to perform at Belmont.

A countdown has already been set for the next show in two years time.