Carousel Reviews

Sam from London, England

MISLEAD

Seen this musical twice and loved it so I was looking forward to seeing a third time more than lucky performance. How disappointed was I. This woke production bashed me over the head with its message. I'm surprised that they didn't unfurl a banner at the end just to ram home the didactic message about domestic violence. Spoiler alert - apparently god is a female collective - who knew? The kids had nothing to do and the ensemble singing wasn't featured enough. For a play that's ultimately about redemption (however flawed the original) there's very little to redeem this version.

Hugh from London, England

TRYING TOO HARD

Most in the audience, I imagine, would have seen Carousel before and would be fully aware of the underlying theme of domestic abuse. Those seeing it for the first time will soon work it out. This production tries unnecessarily to educate us at every turn. Acting and singing were largely impressive but after a fairly enjoyable first half the second half was hugely disappointing especially the Carousel Waltz with its new and uninspiring music. As for the end, leaving Billie without redemption left Louise without hope. The sight of her isolated did not suggest she ‘would never walk alone’. This theatre is unique because of its magical setting. There was precious little magic here. Perhaps such a dark and dingy interpretation should have been staged in a dark and dingy theatre.

Helen from London, England

CRASS

Crass and uninspiring

Sue Scaife from London, England

CAROUSEL

For 48.00 I expected better. Dull dull dull. Singing not up to scratch and the puffs of smoke were annoying and made the audience cough. What was,the point. I can’t imagine how the poor singers fared. What most of the grey haired audience thought I do not know, but very disappointed. wonderful songs after all these years, but in the wrong setting

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