Carousel, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s complex and often sombre 1945 morality tale, is an excellent showcase for TAOS’ ensemble skills.

From the set-piece opening, accompanied by the familiar lilting melody of the Carousel Waltz, to the ‘finale ultimo’, the chorus performed impeccably, carrying the action along with great sweeping bursts of song and dance.

It can’t be an easy show to stage: the solos and duets are musically challenging and the story of doomed love between fairground barker Billy Bigelow and innocent mill girl Julie Jordan is distinctly short on the feelgood factor.

But despite its dark tone, Carousel does boast more than its fair share of unforgettable songs: If I Loved You, Mr Snow, When the Children Are Asleep, June is Bustin’ Out All Over, My Boy Bill and, of course, that irresistible tearjerker of an anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The cast coped admirably with the demands of music and dialogue – their New England accents rarely faltered and there were outstanding performances from Teresa Bray as the irrepressible Carrie Pipperidge (the future Mrs Snow) and Mari Webster as Julie Jordan. After a slightly uncertain start, Gary Robson quickly got into his stride as anti-hero Billy Bigelow: his performance of the ‘My Boy Bill’ Soliloquy was spine tingling.

There were strong performances from Neal Lemay-Lamb as Billy’s partner in crime, Jigger Craigin, and Donna-Kate Wilson as Nettie Fowler. The chorus were simply terrific and even the very tricky ballet sequence was beautifully handled, with talented young dancer Lizzie Lomax making her TAOS debut. First-time director Kirsty Moore did an admirable job of keeping the action moving at a brisk pace, while musical director Helen Heaton got the most out of singers and orchestra.

Thursday night’s capacity audience were enthusiastic and appreciative – and the TAOS company thoroughly deserved their warm applause.