Carousel

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15 September 2021 · Follow on Stagedoor

“The sunny weather last week should have given a boost to outdoor theatre, which is always at its summer’s best in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre with its iconic auditorium. As the shadows lengthen, it is impossible not to feel that something magical is at work. Artistic director Timothy Sheader has turned the theatre into a musical powerhouse with eye-opening revivals of both Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita in previous years. Now it is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lush post-war Broadway musical, one that comes with difficult themes of domestic violence and coercion, that is getting reinvented for the 21st century.”

Overview

The Open Air Theatre has always been celebrated for their innovative approach to classic musicals. This summer, rediscover Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, featuring a score that includes ‘If I Loved You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie.

This classic musical comes back to life in the unique setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Secure your seats while there's availability - this must-see is expected to sell quickly!

Critic reviews

If I Loved You: Emily Davis reviews Timothy Sheader’s outdoor production of Carousel, which leans into the knottiness of the musical’s themes

Exeunt

Sheader proves that it's possible to stage questionable yet beloved pieces of theatre

· Broadway World

Sheader and his team confront its difficulties head on and fiercely

· WhatsOnStage

Tom Deering’s new orchestral arrangements are fresh, imaginative, accessible and oddly homely

· Musical Theatre Review

Natasha May-Thomas delights in her professional debut

· A Younger Theatre

This is a worthwhile production and deserves to be seen

· The Upcoming

An adventurous and very British reinvention of the classic musical

· The Times

If there's a production which could convince you that Carousel's worth one more ride, this could be it

· Londonist

It’s a good production, but feels slightly lacking in its conclusion

· West End Wilma

Bold but disappointing attempt to reimagine a problematic classic

· The Telegraph

Nice tunes, nasty story

· Evening Standard

An unsweetened, intelligently reframed take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic

· The Stage

Taking the shine off Rodgers and Hammerstein’s fairground romance

· The Guardian

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic has been tweaked but also flattened

· The Arts Desk

Creatives

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Timothy Sheader

Director

Oscar Hammerstein II

Writer

Oscar Hammerstein II

Lyricist

Richard Rogers

Composer

Drew McOnie

Choreographer

Mark Dickman

Musical Director

Joanna Bowman

Assistant Director

Tom Scutt

Set Designer

Tom Scutt

Costume Designer

Aideen Malone

Lighting Designer

Date & time

Until 25 Sep

Sat 31 Jul - Sat 25 Sep 2021,
2.15pm & 7.30pm

Please note that the auditorium and stage are completely uncovered and shows in the main theatre repertoire may be cancelled or abandoned because of the weather. Tickets are non-refundable in the event of cancellation because of the weather but may be exchanged.

Runtime: 2 hrs 50 mins