Carousel continues at Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire until 3 July 2022.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
When Nick Winston is directing and choreographing a musical production you know you’re going to see something special, and Carousel is truly special. From beginning to end, you are treated to heavenly vocals, jaw-dropping dance routines and a beautiful set design. It’s ‘Bustin’ Out All Over’ with brilliance.
In the opening number we’re introduced to Julie Jordan (Emma Kingston) and Billy Bigelow (Matt Blaker) as they take a ride on the fully animated carousel. Kingston and Blaker thrive in these roles. Their sung and spoken dialogue is clearly delivered with the perfect mix of longing and angst.
Around the carousel, the stage is transformed, with colourful ensemble characters: contortionists, weight-lifters and popcorn sellers, to name a few. The dark and ominous opening makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention, and is swiftly followed by ‘Mister Snow’ which sparkles thanks to Carrie Pipperidge (Julie Yammanee) as she expresses passionately to Julie how she first met, and fell in love, with fisherman Mister Enoch Snow (Tom Sterling). Yammanee is the perfect Carrie, her humour delights the audience, and you look forward to hearing what she has to say next. She is perfectly coupled with Sterling, both charming and strong in their portrayals.
Kingston, Blaker, Yammanee and Sterling are inspiring leads, each with phenomenal voices and believable acting styles. They are supported by the unbelievably brilliant ensemble which sets the stage alight with each step. High-kicks, perfect pirouettes, tricks, and tumbles. They hang from different parts of the set, leaping from tables and peeking out of concession booths, which makes you want to dance along in your seat. Especially as the beaming and flamboyant Nettie Fowler (Madalena Alberto) makes her grand entrance. Alberto is a joy to watch, her voice and stage presence a shot of serotonin to the brain.
Equally as enjoyable to watch, but in a different light, is Jigger Craigin (George Maddison) and Mrs Mullin (Lara Denning). Maddison portrays the mysterious friend of Billy with a calculated edge, and Denning impresses as the owner of the carousel who lusts after Billy in an open, forthright way. Both are likeably unlikeable and deliver their menacing moments perfectly. As the plot thickens and takes a tragic turn, the scenes are perfectly paced, making the heart race with each second.
Another mention has to go to the entire ‘Ballet’ sequence in Act II. Louise (Genevieve Heron) – Billy and Julie’s daughter – is a troubled teenager, struggling to fit in with the rest of society, as they judge her father’s actions. The whole sequence is a marvel to view and leads on to the well-known ‘Finale Ultimo’, a continuation of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. There’s not a dry eye in the house as Billy is taken to his heavenly reward, even if I was left questioning some of the characters’ thought-processes and actions, especially in light of the world we live in today
Ultimately, if you are looking for a bright, summery, entertaining evening, Carousel at Kilworth House Theatre is the perfect place to be.
Alex Allison
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