Carousel (Salford)

Salford Musical Theatre Company’s production of Carousel is one of the best amateur productions I have ever seen – and, believe me, I’ve seen a few.

Every contributor including the band gives this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, performed in the round, extra zip. That lovely song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” should never have reached the football pitch, as it belongs on the stage. Kathleen Watkins in the motherly role of Nettie Fowler, projects it to the back of the stalls and beyond.

Another tear jerker is the moving ballad “If I Loved You” and Kirsty Hatton and James Cockerill  as the doomed lovers Julie Jordon, and Billy Bigelow, perform it with such meaning that your heart is touched as much as theirs.

Then there is “Mister Snow” and “You’re a Queer One, Julie Jordan” which come from the lips of Kathy Bowers’ Carrie, Julie’s friend. Carrie falls for a steady, reliable fisherman Enoch Snow (Mike McKeown). His upright maleness is so different from the evil-eyed, twisted mouthed baddie, Jigger (Kevin Riley).

The soloists and double acts excel as do the ensemble who sing rousing numbers such as “A Real Nice Clambake” and “June is Bustin’ out all Over.” The male chorus display robust masculinity in “Blow High, Blow Low”.

As for the acting, the cast are not only singers but also thespians. I particularly liked Kathy Bowers’ robust, jolly, giggling and coy Carrie. She contrasts well with Kirsty Hatton’s naïve Julie who is hopelessly in love with a no-gooder who only redeems himself after death.

One of the most compelling scenes is when Billy returns from heaven to gaze on his wife and daughter Louise (played by superb dancer, Rachel Ryan) at Louise’s graduation.

The premise is a far-fetched idea in that a man can return from the dead.  But, here it seems believable and only then do we realise Billy’s love for his family.

The opening scene is unforgettable. We see brightly costumed stilt walkers, clowns, and weight lifters surrounded by balloons. Thanks to stage manager, Kathryn O’Neill and her team, there is a glittering carousel of horses. Children from LMA Musical Theatre Stage School take the limelight in scenes such as the graduation.

Award-winning, renowned director, Howard G. Raw, ensures this show has a freshness, originality and vitality all its own.

A must-see!

– Julia Taylor