Carousel

A good start to the show with the “Carousel” horses on trucks rather than on the usual carousel ride as we are used to seeing, clearing the space for the cast to work their magic setting the scene for this show which had good pace throughout.

The two leading girls of Julie and Carrie were played excellently by Katie Graham and Kimberley Boagey respectively, both singing and acting their scenes with ease.  Sally Emmerson, as the mother figure of the show, Nettie Fowler, Hilary Wells, as Mrs Mullin, and David Beall as the sinister Jigger Craigin gave seasoned performances, their experience on stage providing substance to the story.  Mike Harbisher gave a good performance as the bumbling Enoch Snow.  This show rests heavily on a good leading man, and David Waller gave a good performance as Billy Bigelow.

The supporting principals all gave accomplished performances, and I should also mention the team of children. I only saw one team who were excellent, and I am sure the other team were just as good.  The ensemble worked extremely hard and provided excellent support for the production.  Well done to the chorus master Mike Harbisher.  I really did enjoy the very expressive ballet, beautifully choreographed by Nic Jenkins, and the big song of the piece, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

The set was provided by projected back cloths and augmented with a few pieces of extra set moved on and off stage with ease, making a truly seamless production.  For me the projected back clothes lack warmth but I can understand why they are used. The orchestra was in the capable hands of Geoff Foxhall.  Good costumes and lighting gave the final touches to an excellent evening.

Well done to Alison and the team.

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