It's Spring Bank Holiday Week and, in Saundersfoot, that can only mean one thing - it's time for Saundersfoot Footlights to present their annual musical.

This year, it's the whip cracking Calamity Jane, with as usual, cast members both old and new. Months of hard work by the cast and production crew has certainly paid off, with singing, dancing, costumes and sets all once again up to the group's renowned high standards. Taking the lead role as Calamity Jane is Andrea Thomas who enthusiastically plays the sharpshooter who rides shotgun on the Deadwood Stagecoach. Her stories of having killed hundreds of Indians are, to say the least, rather exaggerated! The townspeople of Deadwood - especially the men - were anxious to see a glamorous singing star performing at the Golden Garter Saloon and the proprietor, Henry Miller (Alan Gee appearing his first summer show) arranged for Francis Fryer (whom he thinks is a woman) to visit. However, when Francis (Paul Fifield) turns out to be a man and is booed off the stage, Calamity promises to fetch famous singing star Adelaide Adams (Sallie Griffiths) from Chicago - but things do not exactly go according to plan.

Calamity mistakes Adelaide's maid Katie Brown (Allison Franklin) for the star and together they head back to Deadwood where, after a bad start, the townsfolk come to love her - especially Wild Bill Hickock (newcomer John Hedgecock) and Lt. Danny Gilmartin (Steve Butler). Katie moves into Calamity's cabin and gradually transforms both the cabin and 'Calam' into something more feminine than previously. The new Colonel at Fort Sully holds a ball and everyone is invited. Much against his better judgement, Katie persuades Bill to take Calamity, while she goes with Danny, but when Calamity sees Katie and Danny kissing, she orders Katie out of town.

However, when Calamity realises that it is Bill she loves, not Danny, the race is on to stop Katie getting on the stagecoach.

The show ends with a wedding - or two - or....! Other cast members: Susan - Gemma Harland; Rattlesnake - Brian White; Doc Pierce - Brian Slate; Colonel - Graham Thomas; Joe - Paul Varello; Hank - Gavin Wright; Prospector - Adrian Freeman; Indian - Elliott Freeman; Stage Door Johnnies - Eric Mullins, Graham Thomas and Paul Varello; dancers - Gill Butler, Janina Evans, Laurie Gee, Heather Scourfield; bar girls - Elin Lawler and Leanne Algeo; chorus - Maurice Griffiths, Michael Oliver, Graham Thomas, Lily Gee, Sheila Meades, Vanessa Watkins, Eric Mullins, Brian Slate, Sue Freeman, Beth Jackson, Eunice Parkes, Kate Wright.

Production team: production co-ordinator - Jo Morris; assistant musical director - Kate Wright; pianist - Eileen Thomas; stage manager and set design - Keith Williams; construction and scene painters - Kevin Watson, Jem Bayliss, Gavin Wright and Andrew Thomas; choreography - Elin Lawler; costumes - Carolyn Elms and Pat Williams; programmes and publicity/photographs - Sybil Whiston; front-of-house - Pauline Hunting and helpers; lighting and sound - Diane Phillips, Andrew Thomas and Kevin Watson; make-up - Natasha Allen; props - Dave and Cath Morgan; refreshments - Jo Morris and helpers; sweets - Bergonia Sarrionandia.

Calamity Jane still has two more performances at the Regency Hall, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), with curtain up at 7.30 pm. Doors open 6.45 pm.

Tickets - £6 adults, concessions £5 - are available from Janina Louise, Tenby, Evans Newsagents, Saundersfoot, Reohorn Amusements, Pembroke Dock, and at the door for each performance. For more information, telephone Helen Wright on 01646 682058. Saundersfoot Footlights' next production will be the pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Auditions will take place at the Regency Hall on Saturday, September 6, at 5.30 pm, and on Sunday, September 7, at 2 pm. Auditions are open to all aged seven years and over by December 1, 2008. Show dates are Monday - Saturday, December 1-6.

CERIS HEWLINGS