'Calamity' Jerry sticks to her guns

Jerry Hall's latest theatrical venture - a one-woman show about Calamity Jane - is suffering a few calamities of its own after the star clashed with the director, Angela Richards, who then quit over 'artistic differences'.

That oft-used phrase is a useful cloak for a lot of unladylike behaviour, mainly concerning the structure and direction of the play about the American plainswoman.

Jerry, who is no pushover, insisted that the show would not go on - or rather, that she would not go on with the show - if Ms Richards, a distinguished performer herself, with marvellous comic timing and a fabulous singing voice, continued as director.

Now the show called My Darlin' Janey (created by Douglas Squires from a diary of letters the famed cowgirl wrote for Janey, the daughter she gave up for adoption) has been postponed so that a new director can work with Jerry.

The show will now open to critics on November 1 at the King's Head Theatre in North London, although previews may begin on October 26.

Jerry was keeping quiet about what went on behind the scenes. Ms Richards also refused to comment on what was termed her 'withdrawal', while the show's spokeswoman would only cite those damned 'artistic differences'.

Mick Jagger's former muse and wife has performed on stage in The Graduate and Benchmark, and done a tour of The Vagina Monologues - all with no backstage non- scripted drama. Several years ago I watched

her in Bus Stop, out in the wilds of Watford, and she was just fine.

As Jerry once remarked to me: 'I did grow up in Texas, where it was tough, not easy, and I know how to fire a gun.'

Watch out!