FIRST performed in 1945, Carousel was a massive hit, running for almost 900 performances. Critics hail it as Rogers and Hammerstein’s best work.

It focuses on Billy Bigelow who is brash and consistently makes bad choices.

Upon hearing the news that he is going to be a father, he decides the best way to make money for his child is to commit robbery.

However before committing the crime he gambles away his share of the stolen goods.

He then stabs himself when the police catch him.

On arrival at the pearly gates he is allowed to go back to earth to do one good deed which will earn him his place in heaven.

This company did a magnificent job and I would be hard pressed to find any fault. The characters were finely drawn, the singing superb and the scenes and costumes excellent. I particularly liked the opening scene which was very atmospheric.

Carrie Pipperidge (Lindsay McGowan), Julie Jordan (Catherine Ruff), Bill Bigelow (Michael Leggett), Nettie Fowler (Trish Ruff) and Enoch Snow (Jason Harris) all stood out as did the Snow children particularly the two little ones who not only acted but enjoyed every moment.

The highlight for me was the young man ballet dancer who performed a solo. (I assume his name was Lewis Palfray as that seems to be the only boy listed. Many apologies if it was not.) I must congratulate the director Janet Barrow and the Choreographer Sonia Gilson for some wonderful song and dance sequences.