Carousel

They say the old ‘uns are still the best, and, when you consider the Rogers and Hammerstein classic Carousel you can’t help but agree. The original place of songs which have now entered our national culture, such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, the show is now undergoing a stunning revival, headed by a start-studded cast. So, if you want to relive a golden age for musicals or you want to see the show for the first time, there’s never been a better opportunity.

Telling the story of Billy Bigelow, a carousel barker, and his romance with mill girl Julie Jordan, the play was considered groundbreaking in 1956 thanks to its emotional zeal and unflinching take on love, and such power still resides in the musical today. Perhaps that’s why so many famous faces have been clamouring to get involved with this revival. Britain’s most famous soprano, Leslie Garret is playing the role of Nettie Flower, whilst Jeremiah James takes on the roll of Billy Bigelow.

In these credit-crunch times, the production values of this show really are something to behold. At one point in the show as many as 19 cast members can be counted on stage and critics have been left astounded by the sheer grandeur of the sets which have been produced. The Sunday Telegraph has commented that they doubt “anyone will be able to afford to put anything like this on again for quite some time” before encouraging audiences to go and see the show whilst “they can still afford it and whilst the producers can too” Such expenditure really does add to the sense that you are seeing something which is truly spectacular.

Reviving the musical in the 21st century means that different approaches can be taken, not to change the feel of the original show, but to enhance it. The sea is really brought to life with the projection of the ocean onto the backdrop by William Dudley. The choreography has well has real high-kick and vigour to it; it’s danger and athleticism will have your heart racing and Adam Cooper, the man responsible for this, needs to be applauded for bringing sexiness and spontaneity to the Savoy Theatre.

Most people will know one or two of the songs, or have a vague idea of what happens in the show, but, until you see the entire thing from start to finish, you cannot appreciate this classic fully.