AS much as I love the 1953 film, it’s great to see a production of Calamity Jane and hear the numbers which didn’t feature such as Men! and Love You Dearly.

Any production will, however, sink without a terrific leading lady and Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society’s ebullient Alex Stores is just that.

She has the audience onside from the beginning, so they laugh as she whacks her object d’amour Danny Gilmartin (Robin Walton) on his injured arm, aw in sympathy as the men decide she’s the short straw for the ball, and cheer as she finally ends up with her Mr Right, Wild Bill Hickock (Gordon Sutton).

Her stroppy strip when she discovers Danny and her friend Katie (Charlotte Barnes, in her farewell performance) in a clinch is a highlight, as is her irrepressible energy as she knocks lines like I Can Do Wihout You’s “in the theatre you’re the boo” out of the park.

The audience are treated to a nicely choreographed Woman’s Touch and Windy City, plus a fun It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry during which the famous Adelaide Adams (Carlie Cohen) disses and dismisses her ardent fans.

Hayley Cheeseworth and Christopher May-Miller also do a top job as the third couple in the plot, Susan and Francis Fryer. The latter character is a lot of fun to play, and tall Christopher has a ball during his drag scene, leaving the audience giggling nervously as they wait for his wig to disappear and expose him.

The enthusiasm of these amateurs – for example, Gordon Sutton has prepared this leading role whilst also commuting to work in London – is clear throughout, from the bevy of pretty dancers to the super crowd noise from the hardworking BAOS supporting cast.

But the night really belongs to one lady. Alex’s fabulous combination of spot-on accent, lovely singing voice and cheeky smile ensure that this Calam is impossible to resist, and, come the conclusion, it’s no surprise that very loud cheers greet her appearance for her final bow.