Richard Rodgers once wrote that of all the musicals he wrote, Carousel was his personal favourite. This American classic features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most iconic pieces, including “If I Loved You” and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The story tells of roguish carnival barker Billy Bigelow and mill worker Julie Jordan, both loners, who meet and fall in love. Their marriage ends up costing both their jobs, and things go downhill from there.
Billy’s desperation makes him violent against those he loves most, and drives him to commit crimes in order to provide for his family. When Billy falls in with con-man Jigger Craigin, he ends up getting caught in the midst of an armed robbery and takes his own life.
Billy is allowed to return to earth for one day fifteen years later, and he encounters the daughter he never knew. Louise is a lonely, friendless teenager, her father's reputation having haunted her throughout her young life. Yet Billy is able to instill in both the child and her mother a sense of hope.
Voted the best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine, Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Carousel is the classic American musical, exploring human frailty, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.
Music by Richard Rodgers; Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Based on Ferenc Molnar’s Play “Liliom” as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer. An amateur production by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.
"What made this particular production special was the fact that there appeared to be no weak links in the cast. We were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable night."
"Glorious music; Fantastic musical!"
"Loved Carousel - congratulations on a wonderful show! Great to see some new faces taking the leads."
NODA Award Wins
Best Male Actor
Matt Quinn
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded in 1899, is the leading representative body for amateur theatre in the UK.
The Association has a membership of approximately 2000 amateur theatre groups and approximately 800 individual members staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts, and pantomimes in a wide variety of venues ranging from the country’s leading professional theatres to village halls.
Covering a broad spectrum of age ranges, NODA member societies meet the needs of all levels of both performers, whether dramatic, dance or musical, and those involved backstage, front of house, or in society administration.
Heavenly Friend Heavenly Friend Captain Watson School Principal Policeman Policeman
Paul Lewin Joanne Gibney Clive Bishop Chris Shimmin Tom Pamplin Cameron Ledingham
Male Ensemble
Elliott Aitcheson Giles Beaumont Clive Bishop Geoff Christian Matt Cox Ben Gale
Joseph Long Cameron Ledingham Josh Moore John Quayle Chris Shimmin
Female Ensemble
Carly Bell Sarah Callow Bethan Cannell Emma Chapple Claire Clampton Claire Cox Paula Gelling Joanna Gibney Frankii Greenbank Sophie Jennings Holly Jones Sophie Killey
Isabelle Perkins Laura Perkins Niamh Quayle Daisy Quinn
Production Team
Val Cowley
Director
Susannah Hodgson
Choreographer
John Elliott
Musical Director
Assistant Musical Director Dance Captain Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Set Design/Scenery Lighting Design Sound Design/Supply Wardrobe Co-ordinator Head of Props
Jill Collings Sarah Callow Mike Lean Paul Devereau Chillout Productions Mike Lean Alex Linney (Linney PA) Nora Lean Tracey Martin & Simon Lumb
Support and Sponsors
The Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society would like to place on record our sincere thanks and gratitude to the below companies, without whom, Carousel would not have been such a success.