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# Review: Carousel @ Lichfield Garrick
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/review-carousel-lichfield-garrick/
- Published: 2012-10-26T09:00:26.000Z
- Updated: 2012-10-26T06:30:19.000Z
- Author: Ann Mayo
- Tags: Reviews, What's On, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 21:41

I don’t care what anyone says, they don’t write ‘em like this anymore!

Carousel, the second musical collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, premiered in 1945 but still has the power to hold audiences today.

And Lichfield Operatic Society certainly did it justice at the Garrick this week.

Local ‘collaborators’ Director Julie Mallaband and Musical Director Oliver Rowe brought off yet another resounding success with this production.

This classic show needs strong principal performers and a top notch chorus – we got it in spades!

Nick Lawrence as Billy Bigalow and Jenny Jennings as Julie Jordan proved a formidable team. Both roles need sensitive handling and neither put a foot wrong – two extremely memorable performances. Nick’s Soliloquy was particularly powerful.

Kathy Coombes proved another talented trouper. Her interpretation of Carrie (who marries Mr Snow) was a sheer joy to watch. James Pugh gave us a comical interpretation of Mr Snow.

Peter Beck as bad boy Jigger and Clare Rainsford as carousel owner Mrs Mullins were excellent in their roles and I must commend Vickie Belcher (Nettie) for one of the best renditions of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ I’ve heard in a very long time.

And we witnessed some wonderfully interpretative dancing from Natalie Haslam as the daughter, Laurie.

The chorus of singers and dancers (choreographed by Sarah Clark and Natalie Haslam) provided quality backing for the principals, helping to make this show a real winner.

Carousel closes with the whole company singing You’ll Never Walk Alone – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Congratulations to all concerned – another superb show from Lichfield Operatic.

The Society has chosen yet another Rodgers and Hammerstein show for its next production. Watch out for The Sound of Music in April 2013 – sure to be a sell-out.

Carousel runs at the Lichfield Garrick until tomorrow (October 27). Tickets are available from the box office on 01543 412121 or online at [www.lichfieldgarrick.com](http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk).