Virginia Gay is the Wildest Woman in the West

by | May 14, 2025

Take a rollicking ride through the Wild West as acclaimed musical Calamity Jane makes its hotly anticipated return to the city where it all started, playing at the Sydney Opera House in an exclusive season from 14 October – 16 November.

 

Virginia Gay is Calamity Jane, the role which earned her the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actress and enchanted audiences and critics alike with her “completely captivating” (Broadway World), “sensational” (Sunday Telegraph) and “astonishing” (Daily Review) turn as the iconic frontierswoman. Truly ahead of her time, the real-life antics of daredevil Calamity Jane have become legendary, and her defiance of cultural limitations and gender expectations resonate more strongly than ever in today’s tumultuous climate.

 

This timeless stage musical is adapted from the beloved film starring Doris Day, immersing audiences in the Golden Garter Saloon for a raucous yet intimate production directed by Richard Carroll. Packed with spontaneity, joy and revelry, this witty show has sold out multiple seasons in Sydney, Melbourne and on tour.

 

Gay is thrilled to be breaking out her cowboy boots for the first time since 2019, saying “Performing as Calamity Jane has been one of my all-time favourite experiences on stage – the mischief and irreverence that we bring to the Wild West and the tenderness under all those buckskins make it a real treat for audiences too. I know my heart is ready to don Calam’s leather chaps one more time at the Sydney Opera House: Calamity Jane – Back In The Saddle.”

 

Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance, Ebony Bott, says: “Calamity Jane is one of those unforgettable shows that envelops audiences, making sure everyone walks away uplifted and thoroughly entertained. It’s a laugh-out-loud musical that delivers fun in its purest form, with Calamity brought to life by one of Australia’s most genuine talents. It’ll be a riot.”

 

KEY INFORMATION
WHAT: Calamity Jane
WHEN: 14 October – 16 November 2025
WHERE: Studio, Sydney Opera House
PRICES: From $89 + booking fee.
PRE SALES: Insiders – 9am, Tuesday 13 May; What’s On – 9am, Wednesday 14 May
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE: 9am, Friday 16 May

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