What's On
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
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Podcast - conductor, James Holmes in conversation
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'You'll Never Walk Alone' performed by Elena Ferrari and the Orchestra of Opera North
'When the Children are Asleep' (excerpt) performed by Joe Shovelton, Claire Boulter and the Orchestra of Opera North
Synopsis
Voted best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine, Rodgers and Hammerstein'sCarousel features some of the most powerful music ever written for the stage, including the immortal 'You'll Never Walk Alone', 'If I Loved You' and the joyful 'June is bustin' out all over'. A story of true love and the tragedy of feelings left unspoken, this classic American musical is deeply touching and will capture your heart.
In this major new production, the outstanding cast will be under the expert batons of James Holmes and Jonathan Gill. Faithful to Rogers & Hammerstein's original vision, this will be a remarkably fresh Carousel for the 21st century.
Directed by Jo Davies (Ruddigore), with designs by Anthony Ward (Oliver, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Peter Grimes and Gloriana for Opera North) and choreography by the renowned Kim Brandstrup (ballet) and Kay Shepherd.
Find out more at www.carouseltheshow.com
A production created by Opera North, Leeds – General Director Richard Mantle, on May 2nd 2012, in co-production with the Châtelet Theatre, Paris – General Director, Jean-Luc Choplin
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Based on the Play 'Liliom' by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F.Glaser
Performed by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of R & H Theatricals of New York.
Barbican (B) cast performances:
August: 15, 16, 17, 18 (x2), 20, 24, 25 (7.30pm), 26 (5pm), 30 (2.30pm), 31;
September: 1 (7.30pm), 3, 6 (7.30pm), 8 (2.30pm), 9 (5pm), 12, 13 (2.30pm), 14, 15 (2.30pm)
Leeds (L) cast performances:
August: 22, 23 (x2), 25 (2.30pm), 29, 30 (7.30pm);
September: 1 (2.30pm), 2 (2.30pm), 5, 6 (2.30pm), 7, 8 (7.30pm), 10, 13 (7.30pm), 15 (7.30pm)
Buy Tickets
Pricing
- Adult Ticket
- £17.50 - £75
Schedule
Click on a venue below to find out more information.
Leeds
Leeds Grand Theatre
2nd - 19th May 2012
2:00pm & 4:00pm & 7:30pm
Greater London
The Barbican Centre
15th Aug - 15th Sep 2012
2:30pm & 5:00pm & 7:30pm
Salford Quays
The Lowry
23rd - 26th May 2012
2:00pm & 7:30pm
Comments
What you say
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What the critics say
Beautifully staged […] easily the best Carousel since Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre revival nearly 20 years ago.
James Holmes conducts with panache, and having the score played by a full orchestra rather than a pit band reaps dividends. So does the decision to take a risk on casting newcomers Gillene Herbert and Claire Boulter as Julie Jordan and Carrie Pipperidge: both of them are an absolute delight.
As we’re exhorted to stand on our own two feet, to go out and give life its best shot, only the hardest of hearts could fail to be moved. […] A deeply satisfying evening.
A stirring production that does full justice to these heartfelt musical numbers without stinting on the storytelling.
I love Carousel but is it one of the greatest of "golden era" Broadway musicals? On the evidence of this production, absolutely!
The sadness is electric and the theme timeless […] Got me hook, line and sinker, as the fishermen would say.
You won’t hear this most haunting of Rodgers and Hammerstein scores better sung, especially by the female triumvirate of Gillene Herbert’s Julie Jordan, Claire Boulter’s Carrie Pipperidge and Elena Ferrari’s Nettie Fowler, who bring a ravishing vocal radiance to every song.'
Packed with colour, movement, dance and drama and you can practically smell the salty air of America’s north Atlantic coastline.
'...an uncomplicated and excellent pleasure' 'This being the work of an opera company, musical standards were uppermost, with the orchestra on crisp form, sparkingly conducted by James Holmes.'
'Opera singers, actors, dancers and chorus members are seamlessly integrated.' 'If the first faltering refrain of "You'll never walk alone" doesn't get you, Kim Brandstrup's exquisite ballet portrait of Billy's orphaned daughter Louise (Alex Newton) will.'
'As the story arrives at heaven’s back gate, the stoical consolations of song emerge strongly (especially in You’ll Never Walk Alone), and James Holmes’s orchestra honours the buttercream swirls of melody.'
Jo Davies’s beautifully modulated staging is both joyous and haunting […] Tremendously uplifting.
Additional Information
Cast
- Julie Jordan Gillene Herbert (L)
- Julie Jordan Katherine Manley (B)
- Billy Bigelow Eric Greene (L)
- Billy Bigelow Michael Todd Simpson (B)
- Carrie Pipperidge Claire Boulter (L)
- Carrie Pipperidge Sarah Tynan (B)
- Nettie Fowler Elena Ferrari (L)
- Nettie Fowler Yvonne Howard (B)
- Enoch Snow Joseph Shovelton (all performances ex 26 Aug, 2 Sept)
- Enoch Snow Philip Lee (26 Aug, 2 Sept)
- Jigger Craigin Michael Rouse (all performances)
- Mrs Mullin Candida Benson (all performances)
- Star Keeper / Dr Seldon John Woodvine (August 15, 16, 17, 18 (mat), 20, 22, 23 (x2), 29, 30, (eve); September 1 (mat), 3, 5, 6 (mat), 7, 8 (eve), 10, 13 (mat), 14, 15 (eve))
- Star Keeper / Dr Seldon Peter Bodenham (August 18 (eve), 24, 25 (x2), 26, 30 (mat), 31; September 1 (eve), 2, 6 (eve), 8 (mat), 9, 12, 13 (eve), 15 (mat) )
- Heavenly Friend / 1st Policeman William Kenning (all performances)
- Louise Beverley Grant (B)
- Louise Alex Newton (L)
Creative Team
- Conductor James Holmes (August ex 24, 25 (mat), 29, 30 (eve), 31; September 8 (x2), 9, 10, 12, 13 (eve))
- Conductor John Rigby (August 24, 25 (mat), 29, 30 (eve), 31 ;September 8 (x2), 9, 10, 12, 13 (eve )
- Director Jo Davies
- Set & Costume Designer Anthony Ward
- Choreographer Kay Shepherd
- Choreographer (Ballet) Kim Brandstrup
- Lighting Designer Bruno Poet
- Video/Projection Designer Andrzej Goulding
Access performances
This Spring selected performances of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel will be audio-described (by Vocaleyes including a free touch tour).
Audio-described performances by Vocaleyes
Leeds Grand Theatre Sun 13 May, 4pm (Touch tour starts at 2.45pm)
The Lowry Fri 25 May, 7.30pm (Touch tour starts at 6.15pm)
The Barbican Sat 1 Sept, 2.30pm (Touch Tour starts at 1.15pm)
To book for audio-description:
Leeds Grand Theatre 0113 22 33 590
The Lowry 0844 848 2720
The Barbican 0845 120 7511
I've not slept in my bed since January...
Amy Lane, Assistant Director of Carousel and Ruddigore, gives an insight into her rather hectic schedule.
Read the full postTurbo-charged Carousel rehearsals: Trevor Bowes’ inside view
The culture of rehearsal in musical theatre is very different to that of the opera world - there is a general turbo-charged aura of hustle and activity. Everywhere you look there are people stretching, swapping massages, changing clothes...
Read the full post
Comment from tony hume
tony hume said ago
what a show! the best since hytner's 1993 production (which i saw 6 times) just wonderful
Comment from Jean Punton
Jean Punton said ago
A wonderful production with excellent performances by everyone especially Eric Greene with his beautiful singing and sensitive acting.Thank you for a lovely evening.