Carousel at Ferneham Hall Fareham Review

Reviewed by Amy Adeliyi

We had a lovely evening watching the South Downe Musical Society’s production of Carousel at Ferneham Hall in Fareham. The show started at 7:30pm and finished around 10:30pm with 1 interval. We watched the opening night and a large proportion of the theatre was filled. Having not watched a production of Carousel before it was nice to see the story unfolding on stage.

The cast were believable in their roles and all seemed to enjoy every aspect of the production. The story is set around two main characters – Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan. Billy begins as a barker for a Gypsy Carousel and falls in love With Julie (much against his will). In the process of them falling in love they both lose their jobs and Julie falls pregnant. Billy does not make the best husband and his attempts at trying to provide for her end in his untimely death. He is given a chance to make things right for his daughter but again fails at his first attempt but is shown the positive beginning for his daughter and wife in the end.

The show had a large cast with members of varying ages and talents. The voices were very strong all together and harmonised nicely. Stand out performances had to be from Jane Peglar (Nettie Fowler) with her rendition of “June is Bustin’ Out All Over”, with such a strong stand-alone voice combined with her interpretation on stage was outstanding. The male voices all seemed very strong, although Alan Jenkins (Jigger) performance of “Blow High, Blow Low” showed his voice off beautifully.

The show spilled out into the audience with actors and cast members entering and exiting through the audience and side doors, making you feel part of the scene.

I particularly liked the setup of the stage with the orchestra in the orchestral pit and the actors and cast members utilising the stage areas all around them.

The set was basic but had different elements to show scene changes, with the added atmospheric touches of fog (smoke machine) and lighting. The use of shadows to show dreams and thoughts within the songs was also a unique touch within the show. I did wonder how the carousel would be brought to life within the performance on stage but was pleasantly surprised with the props used and the portrayal of the hustle and bustle of the fairground.

Ferneham Hall is a pleasant venue, with welcoming staff. Although the car park directly outside Ferneham Hall was full when we arrived, there was plenty of free parking in the multi storey car park next door.

I would definitely look at attending future shows by the South Downe Musical Society, as they put on a heartfelt performance and had a large cast with varying talents. I’m intrigued to see how their next production of Mel Brooks Musical ‘The Producers’ is shown on stage in July.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £11.50 to £15 (booking fees may apply).

Carousel is at Ferneham Hall in Fareham from 18-21 April 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.fernehamhall.co.uk or call the box office on 01329 231942.

Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7DB | 01329 231942