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Carousel

Author: David Slater

Information

Date
7th November 2012
Society
St Cuthberts Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Burnley
Venue
St Cuthbert's Hall, Burnley
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Susan Barrett & Janet Gilbert
Musical Director
Brian Townend
Choreographer
Janis Condon

Carousel occupies a peculiar place in the annals of musical theatre: frequently performed and well-loved yet possessed of a strange combination of folksy Americana and an otherworldly fable-like atmosphere. On paper (an unsympathetic moocher dies is given a chance to redeem himself thanks to the intervention of a kindly old heaven-dwelling duffer who spends his days atop of a white painted stepladder...) the plot beggars belief but yet for decades the show has remained a firm favourite with performers and audiences alike. As something of an old warhorse, it is incumbent upon any production to bring something fresh to an interpretation and fortunately, St Cuthbert's brought a heart and warmth to this idiosyncratic Rogers and- Hammerstein favourite, making the most of the community hall venue by creating a cosy , charming and direct production which really connected with the audience.

The major role in Carousel is that of Billy Bigelow, the carnival barker, who dominates the show and needs assured handling. Richard Parrish performed with a roguish charm and definitely took the audience with him on Billy's journey through the ups and downs of the peculiar plot. I've seen the show many times and it is no exaggeration to say that Richard's performance was certainly as strong as any I have seen. Being able to suggest some degree of charm and to make the audience warm to the ostensibly unsympathetic Billy Bigelow is something of an achievement. Julie Jordan in the capable hands of Nicola Barrett was the equal to her troublesome spouse and Nicola brought a dignity and conviction to the role which I admired. Carrie Pipperidge was invested with a delightful bounce and sparkle by

Helen Pollard and was more than a match for Michael Smith's Enoch Snow and the pair made for a comical couple. Pauline Woodworth as Mrs Mullin impressed with a more sympathetic portrayal of the character; by really making Mrs Mullin a well-rounded flesh and blood character, rather than a throwaway cardboard cut-out cameo, Pauline really made the most of the role. Rachel Barrowclough was an endearing and gentle Nettie Fowler and the standout moment in the show for me was the poignant " You'll never walk alone". A song I loathe (!) was given a wonderfully simple and effective treatment by Susan Barrett and Janet Gilbert: opting to keep things simple and direct and avoiding any overblown grandstanding.

Jason Morris as Jigger - the mischievous devil at Billy's shoulder - could perhaps have added a little more pep and swagger to the role but his comical scenes with Carrie certainly had the audience roaring with laughter. Malcolm Great as the Starkeeper/ Dr Seldon – the aforementioned heavenly stepladder fancier- was as assured and dignified as one would expect from this experienced performer and added a little bit of class and shine to scenes that can often drag. Smaller roles were well played by members of the ensemble - as always some accents were perhaps rather more North West UK than East Coast USA and the friendly "team -spirit" of the society really came over the footlights, making for a warm and honest production.

Lively and enjoyable choreography by Janis Condon really brought the piece to life and made effective use of having a large ensemble on a relatively small stage, avoiding crowding and filling the stage for the sake of it.

Music was in the capable hands of Brian Townend who alas, only had a small pit band to play with (keyboards, bass and drums) but made the most of his forces. It would have been nice to hear the Carousel WaItz- perhaps Roger's finest musical achievement- given a sumptuous orchestral treatment but then one can't have everything. Scenery and stage design was delightfully straightforward and added much to the folksy atmosphere of the piece. The technical team had obviously worked an all- encompassing "atmosphere" for the show which really worked. Set design and the other technical aspects of the show, combined with the honest and heartfelt performances, made for a production which rang true and delivered a solid and enjoyable night's entertainment. If I had a minor quibble, I would say that not all vocal performances were quite as strong as they might have been - the occasional dodgy note here and there- but there were no disasters to speak of.

My thanks go to St Cuthbert’s for making me feel thoroughly welcome and for putting together a super show: a show which had real heart and spirit, emblematic of the society in general. The warmth of the society really made the show come to life and draw in the audience and the real sense of real sense of community and decency really showed through in the production and isn't that what amateur theatre is all about? St Cuthbert’s should be justly proud of their production

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