Danny Whitehead on becoming Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL
Carousel has been a cornerstone of musical theatre since its Broadway debut in 1945.
Its blend of emotionally charged storytelling and a score that has produced some of the most memorable songs in the genre has ensured its enduring popularity. The production features timeless classics like “If I Loved You,” where Billy and Julie’s tentative love blossoms; “Soliloquy,” in which Billy wrestles with his dreams and fears of fatherhood; “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” a jubilant celebration of summer; and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song that has transcended the stage to become an anthem of hope and resilience.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of a seaside town in Maine, Carousel tells the compelling love story of Billy Bigelow, a charismatic yet troubled carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a young mill worker who finds herself drawn to him despite his flaws. In the upcoming concert production, Danny Whitehead stars as Billy Bigelow, bringing depth to this complex character whose journey of love and redemption lies at the heart of the story. Alongside him, Anna O’Byrne takes on the role of Julie Jordan, with Marina Prior portraying Nettie Fowler, the wise and nurturing figure who guides the characters through their trials.
Danny Whitehead recently finished playing the lead role of The Narrator in the UK national tour of Blood Brothers. Danny also made his screen debut playing the Role of Mick in the new BBC1 drama Ralph and Katie. Other Stage Credits include Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s, Theatre, West End), Eben in Dolly Parton’s Christmas Carol (The Southbank Centre, West End), Enjolras in Les Misérables (Queens Theatre, West End), u/s Dr Dillamond in Wicked (UK Tour), u/s Tobias in Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera and UK Tour), u/s Lt. Cable in the Lincoln Centres Broadway transfer of South Pacific (London’s Barbican and UK Tour), Fons in 1418 – The WW1 Arena Musical (Mechelen Arena, Belgium), u/s Dickon in Secret Garden (UK Tour), Christopher Morcom in Breaking The Code (English Theatre, Frankfurt).
Can you tell me a bit about your background in performing?
Danny: I trained at the Guildford School of Acting in the UK, and have since worked in London’s West End for the last 12 years. Recent credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Wicked, Blood Brothers, Sweeney Todd, South Pacific and recently I finished filming the role of Mick in the BBC’s 6 part drama Ralph and Katie.
I am very excited to now be based in Australia and I’m delighted to be making my debut here in this beautiful concert production of Carousel.
How is Billy different to previous roles you have played?
Danny: Billy is an extremely complex character and I have enjoyed exploring his many layers in rehearsals and really trying to understand him as a person. Rodgers and Hammerstein always had an amazing talent for writing about real people and real experiences, and finding the many facets of his character really allows you to dig deep as an actor. It’s a gift of a role.
Do you have a favourite song or moment from the show?
Danny: It has to be Billy’s Soliloquy. It’s one of the only moments the audience really gets to see a window into who he is and his emotions. The 7 minute number really takes us on a journey and gives us a rare peek into Billy’s aspirational side – a moment of hope. You see for the first time that this guy has the potential to really care for someone, and the idea of having a child is an opportunity of a clean slate and a chance for him to right his wrongs… but is it enough?
How have you tackled some of the more difficult themes?
Danny: Rodgers and Hammerstein were very much ahead of their time, especially with the themes they were willing to portray on stage. It is a heartbreaking fact that the themes are still so relevant today and they managed to find a way, especially with Carousel, to open up conversation and leave the audience impacted by what they have seen. The challenge for me, taking on the role of Billy, has been to try and understand him and his actions – not to excuse them in any way but to really question why.
Why do you think the story of Carousel is still so relevant?
Danny: I think it offers up questions which we as a society would benefit from really asking ourselves. Is it possible for someone to see the error of their ways and to really change? Do people deserve a second chance and how does the idea of redemption sit with us? Can we find ways to help people and offer support before things are too late? Is it possible to overcome the mistakes of your parents and change your course? All of these themes, accompanied with the beautiful score woven so sensitvely through the book, I think will always make Carousel universally relevant.
What can audiences expect from this production of Carousel?
Danny: This is going to be a beautifully stripped back, raw, yet classy production. Our fantastic orchestra are taking centre stage with us really putting the focus on the storytelling and allowing the music to pour out, a real tidal wave of emotion.
Carousel plays at the Princess Theatre next week for three shows only.
For tickets and more information, visit carouselconcert.com
