Carousel

I received a warm welcome at Shenfield Operatic Society for their performance of Carousel. The Brentwood Theatre is quite a small venue and the intimacy of the space worked well for the piece. The set was minimal but provided some height and was used effectively throughout the show. There was opportunity for audience to sit on three sides of the action.

The opening scene provided an introduction to the characters, I enjoyed the choreography and the musical arrangements that established the beginning of the plot. The cast filled the stage with colour and beautiful period costumes. As the girls entered, we could feel their fun and the atmosphere of the Carousel was made real. There was a very clever use of props to show the Carousel itself with intricate choreography to give the impression of horses moving up and down.

Use of costume, make up and hair was in keeping with the time and well suited to each character.

A relationship builds between Julie and Billy Bigelow much to the annoyance of Mrs Mullin the Carousel owner who risks losing her Barker; and the concern of the lovely Carrie, Julie’s innocent best friend.

Julie Jordan was played by Sarah Porter. Sarah played the part to perfection. Her voice was clear and sweet, and her excellent characterisation, kept the audience in the palm of her hand. Julie is also a magnetic force for Billy. Billy was played by Allister Smith. He was a rough and ready Barker who was good at his job but did not understand his own emotion. Billy had flaws unlike the actor who represented him. Allister reflected this brash and complicated man well. It was difficult to empathise with Billy. His actions are impulsive and driven by emotion and were misunderstood by all except Julie who became his wife and mother of his child.

Mrs Mullin was played by Beverley Connell. She was a fabulous character; she lifted her scenes and created a dominance which bestowed her status in the Amusement Park. There was an interesting progression in the relationship with Mrs Mullin and Billy. At the beginning she is the unforgiving boss who rejects Billy, then her attempts to woo him back to her employ are unsuccessful, and finally when Billy dies, she is distraught and we realise she has always loved him.

Carrie is played by Jess Pether. Carrie is not only Julie’s best friend but she is an innocent, Carrie’s simple way of viewing situations contrasts to the complication and lawlessness of Billy and his world.

Jess played Carrie well and was the centre of several comedic moments. Jess’s voice is simple and clear like her character. Her beloved is Mr Enoch Snow, a lovely jolly and kindly man played by Simon Cook. Brilliant characterisation Simon, who couldn’t love you?

Carrie’s innocence also attracts the attention of the evil Jigger Craigin who tries to steal her away from her future husband Mr Snow. Jigger is a cool character who can manipulate people and situations to suit his own needs and who leads Billy to meet his own demise. Jigger is played by Ian Southgate. He played a calm and calculating character and dominated with the men.

The chorus scenes were always enjoyable with interesting and accurate choreography. I appreciated the age range of the group from children through to the older actors who portrayed the diverse population of the New England town.

There are many classic songs in Carousel and I was not disappointed by any of them in this production. ‘June is Bustin’ out all over’ was a fabulous example, bringing in the company and building the community spirit. Here we met Nettie Fowler, played by Marie Watson. Nettie is a matriarchal figure in the show who matched her strong character with her excellent voice and stage presence. ‘You’ll Never walk Alone’ is a very special song and Marie and Sarah certainly gave the song the respect it deserves. Very well done.

I thought the production was cast well and I appreciated the detail put into the characters and their relationships. Bob Southgate played a clever and respected business owner David Bascombe, Jamie Fudge and David Cormack played the heavenly friend and the Starkeeper and fifteen years after the death of Billy we meet the children. Enoch Snow Jr played by Jacob Allen and Louise Bigelow played by Sophie Warrington. Now I guess you aren’t 15 Sophie, but your acting ability certainly led to my ‘suspension of disbelief’.  Very well-done Sophie.

Overall, I enjoyed the show, the choreography was on point and the music was of perfect volume, and arranged well. I could hear harmonies and incidentals that gave light and shade to the scenes and helped develop the relationships between characters. I even had a little cry. I commented to my husband, that maybe the lights should have stayed dimmed as we gathered our belongings at the end because I needed to dab my eyes. Thanks for inviting me.

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