Carousel

‘Carousel’ tells the story of Billy Bigelow, a carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a millworker, whose love leads to a tragic fate. Billy, driven by desperation to provide for his pregnant wife, commits a robbery that goes wrong, leading him to take his own life. Fifteen years later, he is given a chance to return to Earth to see his daughter and make amends for his past. 

On arrival, the stage was elegantly set with a single carousel horse at its centre, softly illuminated by atmospheric lighting. The music of Rodgers and Hammerstein filled the auditorium as we were given a glimpse into young Billy’s childhood, offering insight into the experiences that shaped who he became. We were then transported to the carnival, where cast members stood like statues in a perfect freeze-frame behind a gauze screen - it looked absolutely breathtaking and brought the scene to life with striking visual impact.

Ben was exceptional as Billy - full of charm and swagger, but also rich in depth and vulnerability. You could sense his inner turmoil and how difficult it was for him to express love. From the very start, he embodied the character’s brash, proud energy, grounding it with a deep American accent that felt both natural and authoritative. His powerful voice resonated throughout the theatre, but it was in ‘Soliloquy’ that he truly stood out. Ben truly made the role his own. Well done!

I was enchanted by Amy as Julie Jordan. She brought such a sweet innocence and quiet strength to the role - completely believable and deeply touching. Her voice was beautiful, with incredible range and control. I also loved the on-stage relationship with Carrie - it felt so natural and full of warmth. The chemistry between you both added a lovely layer of friendship and support that made your scenes together engaging. Amy brought Julie’s world to life with such honesty and grace.

I absolutely adored Carrie Pipperidge played by Sarah - she brought a delightful energy to the stage with her bubbly and optimistic personality. Her comedic timing was spot-on, and she delivered every line with charm and confidence. Her facial expressions were fabulous, capturing every nuance of the character’s emotions, from playful mischief to heartfelt sincerity. Sarah had great stage presence and truly bought the role to life, offering a memorable and endearing performance that stood out in every scene. Her characterisation was both captivating and authentic, making her a joy to watch throughout. Fabulous!

Edward brought Enoch Snow to life with a perfect balance of self-righteous charm and genuine warmth. He fully captured the essence of the ambitious fisherman, expressing Enoch’s lofty dreams of wealth and respectability with a delightful touch of pompous flair. Vocally, he impressed with a rich singing voice adding depth and nuance to each musical number. Edward’s confident depiction and strong characterisation made for a thoroughly engaging and memorable interpretation.

Maureen, in the role of Nettie Fowler, brought remarkable warmth and strength to the character, offering a steady and nurturing presence - particularly in the aftermath of Billy’s death. She conveyed Nettie’s compassion and kindness with authenticity, while also revealing her inner resilience and quiet courage. Her rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was truly mesmerising; her voice resonated with deep emotion, leaving the audience mesmerised. It was a powerful and poignant moment that stood out as one of the evening’s most memorable highlights.

Jigger Craigin was played with sinister charm by Dan, who brought a slick, shady edge to the role. As the antagonist who lures Billy into crime, Jigger is a deeply unlikable character and Dan made him just that. His delivery was strong and convincing, capturing the nastiness and scheming nature of the role. It was easy to dislike him, which is a testament to Dan’s skill and presence on stage.

Mrs. Mullin, portrayed by Elspeth, was shown with a commanding presence and just the right touch of sharpness. As the owner of the carousel and a figure from Billy’s past, her execution added both complexity and tension to the story. Elspeth’s great facial expressions conveyed a wide range of emotions, enhancing the character’s depth, while her wonderful accent added authenticity.

Andrew delivered a compelling dual performance as Dr. Seldon and the Starkeeper - two small but vital roles in the storytelling of Carousel. With a calm, steady presence, he brought warmth and quiet authority to the stage. Andrew’s time on stage had a lasting impact, adding depth and clarity to the production’s themes of redemption and hope.

Megan brought grace, emotional depth, and strong characterisation to the role of Louise Bigelow, delivering a majestic ballet performance that captivated the audience. Her expressive movement told a powerful story without words, capturing Louise’s inner world with clarity, nuance, and authenticity. Megan’s portrayal conveyed a deep understanding of the character’s emotional journey, and every gesture was infused with meaning.

The Snow Children were absolutely gorgeous, with their beautiful costumes and angelic faces. They embodied exactly what you’d hope for - sweet, enchanting, and perfectly in tune with the atmosphere of the moment. Their presence added a lovely touch of charm and innocence to the production. Well done to each and every one of you for bringing such magic to the stage.

The entire ensemble was fantastic - each performer brought their individual character to life with commitment and flair, and together they delivered a dynamic, cohesive performance that truly packed a punch. One standout moment was ‘June is Bustin Out All Over,’ which I absolutely loved. It was lively, bursting with energy, and the choreography was spot on. The joy and enthusiasm on every face made it an absolute delight to watch.

A few special mentions must go to the principal dancers for their amazing dance routines, bringing energy, precision, and artistry to every movement. Special praise also to the Heavenly Friend for her warm and gentle presence and the Carnival Man for his spirited and engaging ballet routine.

The lighting and sound were professional and faultless - perfectly on cue and enhancing the atmosphere throughout. The sound was clear and balanced, allowing every line, lyric, and musical note to come through with precision. The lighting throughout the production was beautifully designed, enhancing each scene with subtlety and care. It shifted seamlessly to match the mood - from the warmth of daylight to the dreamlike glow of more emotional moments. One particularly striking example was during ‘If I Loved You’, simply stunning, with the soft glow of the moon shining in the background, creating a romantic and timeless moment on stage.

The costumes were exquisite and authentically captured the era, reflecting the style and spirit of the time with great attention to detail. The colours, fabrics, and accessories all contributed to the visual storytelling, helping to bring each character to life and immersing the audience in the world of the production. The staging was equally stunning and a visual treat, with each scene thoughtfully crafted to draw the audience into the narrative. Scene changes were handled with precision, maintaining momentum and enhancing the immersive experience.

The choreography was beautiful, with each movement carefully crafted to complement the story and bring it to life in a visually captivating way. From the delicate and expressive ballet sequences to the lively ensemble numbers, every step was executed with precision and grace. The direction was brilliant, clearly guiding the cast with precision and care. It was evident in every scene that the enthusiasm of the performers was a direct result of the strong vision behind the production, creating an energy that resonated throughout the entire show.

So many memorable moments, but to name a few, I absolutely adored the men singing ‘Blow High, Blow Low’ - such gorgeous harmonies. I also loved ‘A Real Nice Clambake’ - it was lively and fun, adding a delightful, upbeat energy to the production. Finally, the enchanting staging of the scene ‘Up There’ - it truly felt like heaven, with the stars sparkling across the stage and the ladder rising toward the sky, creating an otherworldly and ethereal atmosphere.

I always look forward to my visits to Wells Little Theatre, and tonight was no exception. From meeting the lovely Sally, who was such a warm and welcoming host, to enjoying the charm of the glorious theatre and the outstanding performance, it was an evening to remember. Thank you for inviting me and treating me to such a wonderful and memorable night.

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