RICHARD Rodgers considered the 1945 score to Carousel to be the closest to formal opera in the Rodgers and Hammerstein repertoire.

Jo Davies first staged it for Opera North in 2012 and now Ed Goggin revives her interpretation that moves this problematic R&H piece from the New England of 1873 to the early 20th century, set on an Anthony Ward revolving stage that suggests a life spinning out of control.

The "problem" within Carousel is its short-fused lead character, rebellious carousel barker Billy Bigelow (Keith Higham), who is not only a wife-beater (backed up by a very strange attitude to wife-beating by the writers), but also takes his own life when trapped by the law mid-robbery. Empathy, let alone sympathy, is difficult to impart, but Higham's performance, as he swims against this tide, is nevertheless tremendously well sung, and he captures the inner turbulence that keeps undermining the outward twinkle.

Gillene Butterfield has a survivor's spirit as his wife Julie Jordan, although she is out-starred by Yvonne Howard's matriarchal Nettie Fowler, who leads the company wonderfully through the vivacious June Is Bustin' Out All Over and gives You'll Never Walk Alone poignant life anew away from its scarf-raising football anthem status. Singing of this divine quality, coupled with the oomph of the chorus, separates Opera North's performance from standard musical productions.

The ensemble high point, A Real Nice Clambake, has you wishing you too could be there by the sea, while Stuart Neal gives an electrifying performance as cocksure bad lad Jigger Craigin.

Performances: May 19 to 23 at 7pm; May 21 at 2pm.