I HAVE seen Carousel many times over the years and it remains a favourite musical that never grows old.

The Carousel is in Newport this week as the STC Musical Society put on their own charming version of the popular Rogers and Hammerstein show.
Luke Farley is a wonderful Billy Bigelow, the tormented and ill-fated carousel barker who is unable to show his new wife he loves her, even though he adores her in his own unique way, and has a fantastic rich voice, probably the best in the cast.

And Eloise Rossiter, as his wife Julie Jordan, has a lovely clear soprano voice that rises to the highest notes with ease.

There are many moments to cherish - the cheeky songs between Enoch Snow (Matthew Bryant) and Carrie Pipperidge (Lindsey Lixton) are a highlight, as is the children's ballet scene when Billy returns from the afterlife to see his unhappy teenager daughter, in a bid to do enough good to get through the gates of Heaven.

The scenery and costumes were all very impressive, although a few of the set changes could have been smoother and quieter!

All in all, it was a great evening that was much enjoyed by an appreciative audience.

The show runs until Friday.