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Author: Foster Johnson

Information

Date
14th April 2018
Society
Gateshead Musical Theatre Company
Venue
The Dryden Centre, Gateshead
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Lee Brannigan
Musical Director
Donna Graham
Choreographer
Lee Brannigan

“The Show Must Go On” This age old adage was certainly pertinent so far as Gateshead’s production of Carousel was concerned. With the loss of one of their leading ladies through illness at the Dress Rehearsal in Lynn Dos Santos as Carrie Pipperidge (hope you are well on the mend) the Society had to carry out  a major rethink to ensure the show not only opened on time but ran its course for the week.

As a result it saw Musical Director Donna Graham step into the role and Director Lee Brannigan take up the Conductor’s Baton. In the circumstances I have to say that apart from the odd hiccup here and there they did a remarkable job. Yes there were the odd continuity issues both acting and musical but these have to be put into perspective in the face of the daunting task they had to overcome. In addition the Principals and Ensemble rallied round and their own contributions ensured that the Production went well

So far as the cast itself was concerned great credit must go to Donna for her performance of Carrie  in such trying circumstances. Her acting and vocals were fine and she gave no indication of the pressure she must have been under. As for the other leading roles Anna Smith gave a heart warming interpretation of  Julie Jordan and her renditions of “If I loved You” and “What’s The Use Of Wond’rin” brought the best out of her vocal range.

Philip Richardson as Billy Bigelow worked extremely hard in what is the pivotal role in the Show  and was word perfect throughout. He also performed what is perhaps the most difficult number in the Show the Soliloquy, and gave it everything he had.

The vastly experienced Mike Beckford brought all his knowledge  to the fore with his interpretation of Enoch Snow  including his duet of “When The Children Are Asleep”  with Carrie  whilst Linda Short as Nettie Fowler  produced a touching rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” the Show’s iconic number. There were also some nice supporting roles from Carol Bannerman (Mrs Mullin) and Alistair Lamb (Jigger Craigin) and cameo parts  from Ron Reavley (Dr.Seldon) and Robert McKenna (Mr.Bascombe) Finally well done to the hard working Ensemble. Last but by no means least  a special word of praise for Jenny Slater who was excellent in the role of Louise and likewise Marcus Cain as the Star keeper.

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