Climbing aboard the golden horses on the roundabout at Hollycombe Steam Collection on Sunday, members of the cast of Grayshott Stagers' forthcoming production of 'Carousel' rose and fell to the glittering melody of the 'Carousel Waltz' played on the collection's authentic fairground organ. Lavishly costumed from the Stagers' own wardrobe, they quickly experienced the head-spinning mood of Rodgers and Hammerstein's ever-popular 1945 musical.

Set on the New England coast in the late 1800s, 'Carousel' tells the story of troubled, brooding fairground barker Billy Bigelow, played in this production by Grayshott newcomer Gavin Ebsworth, and his doomed love for the gentle, trusting Julie Jordan, played by local favourite, Susie Dean. Through such well-loved songs as 'If I l Loved You', 'My Boy Bill', and 'What's the Use of Wond'rin', their love affair moves to a fateful climax that only a song as heart-rending and inspiring as 'You'll Never Walk Alone' can describe. Mary Coyte plays the indefatigable Nettie Fowler, Kevin Sampson the sinister Jigger Craigin, Laura Musco the hard-bitten Mrs. Mullin, and Rachel Perkins and Richard White the vivacious Carrie Pipperidge and the ambitious Enoch Snow. Filled with emotion, comedy and, in the end, life-affirming optimism, 'Carousel' is a joyous musical to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Directed by Doreen Wylde and under the musical direction of Tony McIntee, 'Carousel' will turn at the Grayshott Village Hall from 10th to 12th May (Box Office: Grayshott Books 01428 604798) and at Haslemere Hall from 17th to 19th May (Box Office: 01428 642161). Tickets start from only £8.00 and the Grayshott Stagers guarantee a show to rival the very best.