COME to the fair for a roller coaster ride of musical entertainment that had an audience roaring with delight last night.

St Catherine's served up a real treat for musical fans with a strong cast in fine voice relaying those classic number What's the Use of Wondrin', June is Bustin' Out All Over and the immortal You'll Never Walk Alone.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein smash hit tells the tale of hapless hero Billy Bigelow and his battle against adversity, falling victim to the quest for easy money but given the opportunity to redeem himself and set his daughter on the right track.

It is admirably brought to life in a more than competent performance. Ian Barlow impresses as Billy with a superb voice and is well matched by leading lady Louise Cohen as Julie.

Irene Holmes in the role of Netty does great justice to You'll Never Walk Alone and there there is wonderful choreography throughout providing the opportunity to show off a wealth of young talent.

Comic performance of the night goes to Andrew Platt in the role of Enoch Snow dedicated to the memory of his grandma, Ethel Walker. You did her proud, Andrew.

The staging - or lack of it - was limiting and sometimes off-putting when I had to peer round the conductor to see the action, but the quality of the performance shone through. See it. Dave Toomer

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