Carousel
Location: The Savoy Theatre
Speaking of stepping back in time, why not make that trip to 1870s New England, the setting for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical Carousel? This world famous musical experience has been wowing crowds from as far back as 1945, with this brand new production appearing in 2008.
This great show takes is back to the romance held between two people – one is a carnival worker on the carousel of the title, whilst the other is a local mill worker. Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan make a charming couple, but their relationship is not met with positive responses. Instead their romance is instantly frowned upon and they subsequently lose their jobs. Things get worse when they realise they are about to have a child, meaning that they must try to earn enough money to support it. But it is a desperate situation, thankfully helped by Julie’s mother Nettie (played in the production by Lesley Garrett). This acclaimed production takes many different twists and turns as the story progresses until the main body of the narrative begins in very dire circumstances.
If this gripping story does not entice you to the production, then perhaps the musical numbers will have you in the seats. Carousel features some great songs in the forms of “Carousel Waltz”, “June is Bustin’ Out” and of course the timeless classic “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
All of these songs feature as the desperate situation gets forever worse. Desperate for money, Billy turns to crime, and eventually finds himself at the heart of a large robbery attempt. Suffice to say it goes very wrong and only serves to make matters worse. In a dire state, Billy decides to take his own life.
And so at the gates of Heaven, Billy must go back and put right all of the trauma and heartache his suicide has caused. He must make amends with Julie fifteen years after he took his own life and try to make things better for the daughter, whom his actions led to her growing up without a father.
It is a deeply compelling story further amplified by some stellar performances. Make sure you catch Carousel at the Savoy theatre before it’s too late!