*AD – The tickets to this performance of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical were gifted to me for the purpose of review. However, this does not affect the integrity of my review. Find out more here.
With heart, emotion, and songs you already know and love, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is set to be a lovely night at the theatre. I never got to see it when it was on the West End, so when I had a chance to see it on tour, I jumped at it. Therefore, I head on down to the Bristol Hippodrome to finally see the show in person.
What is Beautiful: the Carole King Musical about?
Beautiful: The Carole King musical follows the real-life story of composer and singer Carole King. It recounts the story of her rise to stardom, her songwriting and love journey, and sets it all to some of her most iconic songs… Some of which you may not have even known were written by her. It’s a story of love, heartbreak, friendship and an insight into the world of songwriting. The current (2020) UK tour stars Daisy Wood-Davis as Carole King, Adam Gillian as Gerry Goffin, Laura Baldwin as Cynthia Weil and Cameron Sharp as Barry Mann.
What did I think?
Aside from listening to the soundtrack a few times and knowing that it was about Carole King’s life, I didn’t know much about Beautiful going into it. Given where I work and how much I’m into theatre, that’s pretty rare for me and was a welcome surprise. I personally thought that the production was really sweet. The story is clear and easy to follow with both highs and lows to keep you interested, the songs are catchy and performed well, and the cast suit their roles incredibly well. I left in a fantastic mood and the whole thing left me a little warm inside. I thought, if anything, the ending was a little bit rushed, but that tends to be the case with the majority of musicals, and it didn’t ruin the production whatsoever.
The Cast
The cast for a show like this is interesting for multiple reasons. Firstly, because the show is very ensemble heavy (With Carole King being a real songwriter, the ensemble sing the majority of the songs, embodying the acts that sung the songs King wrote). Secondly, because all the characters are based on real people, so although the actors can put their own spin on the characters, they have to be somewhat true to life.
Overall, I was impressed. The ensembles dancing was tight and their vocals were strong (Although a little quieter – I don’t know whether that was a sound issue or a general issue), and they were great at putting their own individual spins on their characters whilst still being cohesive as a group.
Daisy Woods was cute as a button and gave a truly endearing performance as Carole King; playing her as a character that you truly wanted to route for. This performance was met by Adam Gillian as Gerry Goffin, who perfectly encapsulated the cute but tortured artist. Their chemistry was great and I couldn’t fault either of their performances. I had been quite excited to see Laura Baldwin as Cynthia Weil as I loved her in Waitress, but I ended up seeing understudy Carly Cook who was absolutely amazing. I loved her voice, she was charismatic and I couldn’t fault her performance if I tried. Her and Cameran Sharp as Barry Mann had fantastic chemistry, and I found myself rooting for the two of them.
The Soundtrack
As a jukebox musical, it’s more likely than not that you know all the songs. In fact, due to the fact that Carole King had many a person singing her songs, it’s likely that you know more of the soundtrack than you think you would. In general, I think that Beautiful: The Carole King Musical has a very well balanced soundtrack that makes for some easy listening. However, I, of course, had some stand out favourite songs.
Happy Days are Here Again
Though not a Carole King song, it makes sense when you see it in action. I thought it was a bit of fun, Carly Cook shone and it made me smile. Honestly can’t get it out of my head.
Take Good Care of my Baby
Not only is this a super catchy song, but I think I might be a little bit in love with Adam Gillian as Gerry Goffin, and he was incredibly endearing in this song.
Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
I feel like everyone who knows this song already knows it’s a classic. However, I thought it was done beautifully in context. Daisy Wood-Davis has a beautiful voice, but it really shone here.
You’ve Got a Friend
I didn’t cry. I am making a conscious effort to cry less at musicals. However, if there was a moment that was going to make me cry, it would have been this one. Ah, I love friendship.
Would I recommend Beautiful: the Carole King Musical?
In short, yes. I thought it was a really well-done production, and I think it’s a good night out. I don’t know how to describe it other than really wholesome and vaguely calming. The cast is great, the costumes are cute, and odds are you already know the songs, may as well learn about the woman behind them! It is in Bristol until Saturday 29th, so I strongly recommend getting down to it if you’re in the area (You can find tickets here), and you can find the rest of the tour and location dates here.
Have you seen Beautiful: the Carole King Musical? Do you like her music? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments!
Lots of love,
Jas xx
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