Thirty-six years have (unbelievably) elapsed since Ilkley Amateurs last produced this wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Carousel was Rodgers’ own favourite and it certainly contains some of his most unforgettable music. Right now, I can’t think of a more rousing song than You’ll Never Walk Alone, here sung with such fervour by the entire company at the end of the show.

Then there’s the glorious, lilting Carousel Waltz, the boisterous June is Bustin’ Out All Over and, If I Loved You - a lovely song tinged with longing and regret.

Wistful and sad though Carousel may seem, it is ultimately an uplifting, feelgood musical whose anti-hero, the misunderstood Billy Bigelow, eventually earns his admission to Heaven. Rob Edwards, making his first appearance on the Ilkley stage, perfectly catches Billy’s raw innocence and his performance will melt hearts of ice. Great voice and stage presence too - just watch and listen to Billy’s famous Soliloquy and his indignant outburst to The Highest Judge of All.

Gemma Durkin beautifully conveys the patience, the sweetness and the tragedy of Billy’s wife, Julie Jordan. Carrie Pipperidge and Enoch Snow, the show’s other couple share an altogether rosier future.

Sally Brown and Richard Goodall both give delightful and engaging performances as the frivolous Carrie and her socially ambitious Mr Snow. Mollie Williams is convincing as the steady as a rock Nettie Fowler, whilst Julia Wilson creates a sympathetic portrayal of carousel owner Mrs Mullin. Dale Chadwick makes a formidable and utterly repellent Jigger Craigin - the only real baddie in this story.

There’s a host of fine cameos including John Stainton as Mr Bascombe, Garth Rookes as the Policeman, Tony Walker as both Dr Seldon and the Starkeeper, and Ashley Woodhouse as Enoch Snow Jnr. Young Chloe Judge gives a touching performance as Billy’s daughter, Louise. Stephanie Burgess’s very unusual portrayal of the role of the Heavenly Friend speaks volumes for director Jonathan Tate’s flair for creating interesting visual detail - and springing the occasional surprise. Tate’s subtly lit stage is filled with movement and colour for the big ensemble scenes but he freezes the action as Billy’s spirit quits its mortal frame to begin his journey to the other side. It is an arresting image, a heartstopping moment in a production full of beautiful stage pictures. Andrew Walton’s choreography blends the earthy and intensely physical in the lusty song and dance number Blow High, Blow Low, with the eerily surreal in the Act 2 ballet which features an animated group of youngsters as the Snow children.

Musical Director and keyboard player Jim Lunt drives the performance along and coaxes some tremendously powerful and tuneful singing from the IAOS Chorus.

The Carousel Orchestra is excellent throughout and the string playing is especially characterful including a poignant solo violin at the beginning of You’ll Never Walk Alone. Amplified sound balance between voices and orchestra is just about exactly right. Andrew Walbank, Charlotte Day and Pamela A Clarke have excelled themselves with the scenery and costumes for this Carousel, a production likely to linger in the memory. Don’t forget to bring plenty of tissues.