Richard Rodgers' and Oscar Hammerstein's timeless musical Carousel has been adored by many since it first opened on Broadway in 1945, winning countless awards over the years.

Set on the New England coastline and adapted from Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 play Liliom, the show tells a tale of heartache and hope with the backdrop of a traditional carnival.

But now the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society (NNOS) has brought the story across the Atlantic Ocean to Norwich Theatre Royal - and it did not disappoint.

Ruby Bardwell-Dix, playing Julie Jordan, and Lewis Aves, playing Billy Bigelow (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

Carousel at the Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

The musical tells the dramatic story of the roguish carnival barker Billy Bigelow (Lewis Aves), who falls for the sweet but naïve mill worker Julie Jordan (Ruby Bardwell-Dix) at the carousel.

But as their romance blossoms, their happiness is soon shattered and Billy is convinced to take part in a robbery by wayward sailor Jigger Craigan (Craig Mayne) with devastating consequences.

However, in a twist in the second act, the show touches on the themes of forgiveness and hope as it presents Billy with an opportunity to redeem himself as time passes by.

Featuring beloved songs such as If I Loved You and You'll Never Walk Alone, the cast's vocals were mesmerising as they were accompanied by an amazing 26-piece orchestra.

Carousel features a range of dance numbers and beloved songs (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

Jessica Brydges, playing Carrie Pipperidge, and Lucas Fox, playing Enoch Snow (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

The actors embraced the chaos and unbridled joy of the carnival setting while also touching on the darker themes of domestic violence and suicide in a serious manner.

I particularly loved the storyline of Julie's friend Carrie Pipperidge (Jessica Brydges) who falls in love with ambitious fisherman Enoch Snow (Lucas Fox) and reminds us what it means to be passionate and fearless to be yourself.

With it being three hours long, the show is lengthy but with the beautiful dance numbers and humorous scenes, it is worth taking the time to watch it.

Tickets for Carousel are still available with the show running until February 28.

© Eastern Daily Press