New England, 1873: when a travelling carnival pitches up in a small fishing village, an unlikely relationship develops between the charismatic carousel barker, Billy Bigelow, and Julie Jordan, a naïve local mill worker. Within weeks - and against everyone’s advice - the seemingly ill-matched lovers are married. Read more …
But Billy’s fiery temper quickly causes problems for the newly-weds. After losing his job, Billy begins to feel hemmed in by the constraints of married life. And his financial difficulties quickly mount. The discovery that he is soon to be a father only intensifies Billy’s need to find some cash – and fast.
So when Billy’s friend, the shady sailor Jigger, suggests that robbing the local mill owner could solve all of Billy’s problems, Billy doesn’t take much persuading. But the robbery goes horribly wrong - and Billy ends up risking not only his life, but also his immortal soul.
It feels at times as though Durnin’s busy production has been squeezed onto the relatively small stage, and some of the dramatic moments, including Billy’s redemptive comeback as a ghost in the final act, could use some finessing.
A polished and professional production.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry from Wednesday May 25, 2016, until Saturday October 15, 2016. In repertory. Check website for specific dates and times.. More info: www.pitlochry.org.uk
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