Carousel - Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society

Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society, and their 2025 production of 'Singin' In The Rain' delivered some spectacular and memorable moments, not least when the rain machine was turned on for the legendary headlining dance number. Over the years the players of NNOS have tackled countless classic musical shows, from Gilbert & Sullivan to Jesus Christ Superstar, but the wonderful musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein are perennial sure-fire favourites.

With its New England setting, its strong, resilient characters, and the Maine fishing community's summer round of clam-bakes and visits to the town's fairground ride, and its share of roguish characters, 'Carousel' quickly became an American classic – first as a Broadway musical, then a couple of years later as the film starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae. Based on 'Liliom', a 1909 play set in Hungary and written by Jewish playwright Ferenc Molnar, this follow-up to Rodgers & Hammerstein's first stage musical, Oklahoma, is a darker work, and although the film version was filled with vibrant colours and spectacular views of the Maine coastline, it chose not shy away from the social issues of domestic abuse and unemployment.

This is the third time that NNOS have taken us aboard Carousel, with their last production of it being back in 1999. This version, directed and choreographed by Adrian Haigh, and with a 26 piece orchestra under the direction of Kevin Bell, takes a grittier, longer, harder look at the characters, particularly those of fairground barker Billy Bigelow (played by Lewis Aves), and his manipulative seafaring acquaintance Jigger Craigin (Craig Mayne). Jessica Brydges gets the tone just right as naive love-smitten millworker Julie Jordan, falling head over heels for Billy whilst her best friend Julie Jordan (played by Ruby Bardwell-Dix) settles for the reliability of steady old Enoch Snow (Lucas Fox). Only Billy's accidental death, falling on his own knife during the robbery attempt, provides an opportunity for his own redemption, and the chance to see his unborn daughter.

With a spectacular ensemble of dancers, and an enthusiastic supporting cast, this production of Carousel takes its audience on an emotion-filled rollercoaster of a ride. And, with classic musical numbers like 'If I Loved You', 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over', and the oh-so-familiar 'Carousel Waltz', keeping us enchanted throughout, the point at which Julie and Nettie get to sing the iconic 'You'll Never Walk Alone' almost catches us out, so engrossed have we become in the plot development.

Another fabulous production from the entire team at Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society. The show runs until Saturday. Check the Norwich Theatre Royal box office for last minute availability.