Carousel

Rodgers and Hammerstein are the giants of the musical, and although their shows are now somewhat dated they still have a charm which many of our audiences like to share. Tiverton AOS took on the challenge of this particularly difficult show and, putting aside their many difficulties, provided a positively enjoyable entertainment. This major work of the twentieth century was presented with genuine care and no little attention to detail.

The use of projected scenery was a masterstroke removing the necessity for large complicated sets and providing plenty of space for the cast to work in.  It also, along with the simple settings of rostra and boxes ensured that scenes moved into each other with a welcome speedy smoothness. This is a popular way of providing different scenes and was a welcome addition to Tiverton’s production.

Music in the enthusiastic and careful hands of Hilary Wickham was most enjoyable. The music was kept simple with the company giving full measure to the wonderful melodies and having been well-rehearsed adding some warm harmonies where required.

Director, Pauline Farr, sensibly went for a clear telling of the story. The different tales of the relationships between the principal characters were simply told with good diction and unfussy rapport relying on Hammerstein’s masterly script. While this did remove some of the emotion from the scenes, it did ensure a good pace and an uncomplicated telling. This definitely worked well with a welcome early finish and no requirement on the part of the audience to delve deeply into the issues of wife abuse, the effects of suicide, the desperation of the unemployed expecting a family or the social stigma of a dysfunctional father.  Some of the lines could have benefited from a little more thought on the part of the actor, but at no point did the action become banal or tawdry. Some of the principals needed to work a little harder at setting up and delivering the gags.  It is essential that the voice does not drop away in order for everyone to get the joke and respond with a supportive laugh. 

There was a lot to commend this honest portrayal of this well-loved show.  Everyone appeared to be working together towards the success of the presentation and so a pleasant atmosphere was created. Excellent use of local experts helped keep the technical issues at bay. It was good to see some young members taking part but they could have featured more at the front of the stage. Sensibly more mature performers were not asked to do inappropriate actions, but the beautifully danced ballet was not sufficient to disguise the lack of dancing in this musical.

Hard work and determination are obviously the hallmark of this company, but one cannot help feeling that a more modern choice of show with less need for a big company might boost the group with some young blood and an energetic future. Nevertheless this presentation was enjoyable and genuine leaving the audience fully entertained after a really good evening out: and no doubt followed home by those glorious melodies.

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