Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Pickford

Last night (19 September 2017) I was transported back in time to the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. I went to see Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at our wonderful Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

The musical is based on the life story of Carole King, born Klein, following her teenage marriage to Lyricist Gerry Goffin. They made a very good team with Carole writing the beautiful music and Gerry adding the much-heralded words. They obtain a contract with impresario Donnie Kirshner (Adam Howden) and so began their song writing careers. Later the storyline follows the breakup of their marriage and the subsequent hits Carole obtained under her own name.

Each act of the story is told using songs written by the pair and also by their best friends Cynthia Weil (Amy Ellen Richardson) and Barry Mann (Matthew Gonsalves). I was delighted to hear old favourites including “It Might As Well Rain until September”,” Take Good Care of My Baby”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and my personal choice “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”. I know that most of the audience were having to suppress their instincts to get up and dance, there was much enthusiastic clapping throughout the show.

The costumes and dance moves were superb and certainly added to the shows nostalgic feel. The Drifters depiction of “On Broadway” and “Up on the Roof “was greatly enjoyed by all. The set design was very clever so that the transformation from home to office to stage was managed with ease.

Bronte Barbe, as Carole King, was thrilling as was Kane Oliver Parry who played Gerry Goffin. They were well supported by all the cast especially Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves. I also was pleased to see Carole Royle as mum Genie Klein.

I would recommend this show to all, if you love music you will love this one. I am sure that a younger audience would recognise many of the songs too, it’s not just for us oldies! Expect strong vocals, brilliant live music and a great evening out.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15 to £47.50 (booking fees may apply).

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 19-23 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222.

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222