Review: CAROUSEL, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Photo credit: Johan Persson

Rain almost stopped play for the press night of Carousel last night but in the end, the light showers only added to the atmosphere at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Directed by Timothy Sheader and Associate Director Joanna Bowman, this new take on the Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s musical theatre classic is an absolute breath of fresh air.  

Originally performed in 1945, the story revolves around the romance between carousel barker Billy Bigalow and millworker Julie Jordan.  After this causes them both to lose their jobs, he participates in a robbery to provide for his wife and unborn child with tragic consequences.

The opening number consists of a brass band of musicians and Drew McOnie’s tight choreography emulating the feel of the Carousel ride.  The children’s enthusiasm as they enter the stage is contagious and with the stage revolving to a rapturous applause from the audience (we all love a revolve!), it gets the performance off to a thrilling start.

Regional accents are used rather than the general American twangs usually associated with the show but this worked so well alongside the traditional songs, that it is only really noticed as an afterthought.

Christina Modestou as Carrie Pipperidge brings comedy and a light heartedness to the role and is a joy to watch, whilst Carly Bawden and Declan Bennett as Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow, at first appearing young for these roles, have a strong chemistry and plausibility between them. Bawden’s voice in particular is both sharp and powerful.

Notably, two numbers stood out for me.  ‘Blow High, Blow Low’, in an upbeat sea shanty style, again for McOnie’s fabulous and clever choreography, and ‘June Is Bustin’ Out All Over’ performed by Joanna Riding as Nettie Fowler is the most hilarious rendition we’ve ever seen.

Beautifully lit and with the gentle rustle of the trees, Billy’s ascent into heaven and realisation of his behaviour in life is suitably chilling with a nice take on the ‘image’ of St. Peter at the gates. 

If you have an opportunity to catch this production, do so, you will not regret it!

Mesmerising and refreshing throughout.

***** Five Stars

Reviewed by Rachel Louise Martin

Carousel runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 25 September. To book tickets, please click here.