Carousel

From the opening bars of the masterpiece score it was evident that the audience were to experience something special, the top-notch 17 piece orchestra establishing the standard of performance to expect throughout. The opening “Carousel Waltz” was used to good effect and was visually impressive setting the scene of Julie and Billy’s first meeting and introducing the residents of the small coastal town. Throughout the production the sets, lighting and costume all combined to create atmospheric impact and enhance the performances; scene changes were slick and the sound quality good throughout.

In the opening scene the characters of Julie Jordan (Katy Walton) and her friend Carrie Pipperidge (Shireen Gale) are brought to the fore and the two girls very different personalities shone through. Their renditions of   “What’s the Use of Wondering “and “When I Marry Mr Snow” were beautifully performed. Katy gave Julie a sweet but rebellious character and Shireen’s portrayal of Carrie was fun, feisty, had great comedic interpretation and was instantly adored by the audience. Eileen Glenton as the Carousel owner Mrs Mullen brought out the pathos and deep routed sadness of this character and gave us another wonderful performance. Billy Bigalow , a carousel Barker who struggled with the responsibility of providing for his wife and unborn child, was portrayed by Graeme Walton who gave a powerful performance with vocally superb renditions of all of his songs including the 8 minute long famous “Soliloquy”. Graeme and Katy portrayed the fatally attracted couple who end up in a tempestuous marriage with commitment and powerful vocal performances, “If I Loved you” being a particular highlight. Enter the darkly menacing Jigger Craigin, the man who ceases the opportunity to use Billy’s impulsiveness to provide for his wife and unborn child as a way to manipulate him for his own good, played with great skill by Anthony Smith; Anthony’s portrayal was believable also portraying great contrast in his character in the scene with Carrie which was hilarious. Stephen Berry as Enoch Snow used his fabulous tenor voice to good effect and gave the somewhat pompous character heart and likeability as well as an infectious laugh; the Snow couple and their perfectly proportioned, immaculately dressed family provided light relief from the heavier aspects of the story. As Julie’s loving and reliable cousin Nettie, Delia McNally gave a superb performance with wonderful renditions of her musical numbers including the iconic and tear-jerking “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

There was energy and commitment in all of the dancing and especially in the beautifully choreographed ballet which highlighted the dance skills of Jennifer Kirby as Louise and Daniel Thomas as the carnival boy.

All of the supporting characters were well portrayed, there were no weak links in this first class line up; congratulations to Paul Maddison (Starkeeper), Sue Robinson (Heavenly friend), Deborah Wilson (Arminy), Alexander Hall (Enoch Junior) and Geoff Knott (Mr Bascomb) who together with the finely drilled chorus gave excellent support.

Congratulations to Fred Wharton on his 50 year association with Durham Musical Theatre Company and to him and the entire production team and company for marking the occasion with this fitting production.

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