What the Papers Said...

Review - Carousel (from Hampshire Chronicle, 11/11/08)

The Theatre Royal Winchester was treated to Winchester Operatic Society's production of Carousel this evening, Tuesday November 11.

The near full house was treated to a lively show full of fun, powerful and moving songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's well loved musical.

Carousel, directed by John Barlow, tells a darker tale than some – the bittersweet romance between the young, innocent mill-girl Julie Jordan (Kerry-Jayne Lilly) and the brutish fairground barker Billy Bigelow (Iain Steel) is tinged with tragedy. Many of the songs, choruses and dance sequences are modern classics – If I loved you, June is bustin' out all over, When the children are asleep to name but three – and of course: You'll never walk alone.

Kerry-Jayne Lilly gave a mesmerising performance as strong willed Julie Jordan. Her clear, strong voice was full of emotion and carried brilliantly really sharing the feelings of the character with the audience.

Equally, Iain Steel was excellent as diamond in the rough Billy Bigelow and portrayed his character with charm and empathy.

Not to be left out was the sterling performance of Frances Stirrup as the adorable, simple and funny Carrie Pipperidge.

Being a Carousel virgin I felt at times the plot jumped about a little too much for me at times, but the whole production was executed with precision, professionalism, and most important of all, a sense of fun.