Review: Gorgeous singing and stunning set in Spa Opera’s Carousel

Carousel by Spa Opera, Spa Centre, Leamington, on until Saturday October 26. Box office: 334418.
Judi Walton, Charlie Walton and Becky Walton in Spa Opera's production of Carousel.Judi Walton, Charlie Walton and Becky Walton in Spa Opera's production of Carousel.
Judi Walton, Charlie Walton and Becky Walton in Spa Opera's production of Carousel.

I’d forgotten how many wonderful tunes come from this peach of a musical. The song If I Loved You sung by Billy Bigelow (Mark Randall) and Julie Jordan (Zoe Chamberlain) was particularly beautiful.

Down on his luck Billy is a bad lot, but Julie loves him. As barker of Mrs Mullins’ (Sian Marie O’Reilly) fair, he can charm the birds out of the air – and Mrs Mullins too. Julie’s arrival on the scene causes a spat between them that also involves Julie’s best friend feisty and funny Carrie Pipperidge (Becky Walton) newly betrothed to dreamer Enoch Snow (Harry Benfield).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Billy gets involved in a hair brained scheme with his ne’er-do-well mate Jigger Craigin (Dan Bryer) to rob the local millowner Mr Bascombe (Bernard Petty) but it goes wrong and Billy dies, leaving Julie alone and pregnant. His journey to heaven take 15 years and, back on earth, his daughter is unhappy. He is allowed one day to go back and make amends. Louise (Molly Fulford-Knibbs) is about to leave school and is naturally scared of the stranger. But Julie recognises him and picks up the star he has brought as comfort for Louise.

In the meantime, there’s My Boy Bill – beautifully delivered by Billy and You’ll Never Walk Alone sung by both Julie and cousin Netty Fowler (Judi Walton) and finally in hushed tones by the whole company - gorgeous.

I really enjoyed the busy opening scene choreographed with carousel horses; the sets throughout were stunning. The place was packed and opening night rewarded with a standing ovation. Seven stars.

Jane Howard

Related topics: