Musical of songwriter’s life is beautiful

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

I’VE seen this musical twice and each time it has been a joyous two and a half hours spent in the theatre, listening to some of the most famous songs of all time.

But apart from the songs, Carole King’s life story lends itself perfectly to an on-stage drama. Her relationship with both her ex-husband Gerry Goffin and her work is rich with drama, character, tension and creativity and that oozes from the stage.

From their initial coming together and penning tuneful pop ditties, to Goffin’s breakdown and affairs and King’s eventual blooming from wronged wife to an emotional and game-changing giant on the music scene, Beautiful keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Even though the story is familiar.

It’s so cleverly put together and there’s not a minute that goes by when you’re not singing along to one of their enrapturing creations.

I was pleased the touring show was so similar to the West End one, the set was so simple and effective and, at times, impressive, as it switched from a bare 1950s living room to a New York songwriting office, bubbling with creativity and cigarette smoke.

One of my favourite parts is when the action switches on a penny from the inception of a song – such as Some Kind of Wonderful and Will You Love Me Tomorrow – to The Drifters and The Shirelles. Both were amazing vocally and the former’s recreation of the original’s famous dance moves put a huge smile on my face.

I am a huge fan of Carol King, I have Tapestry on vinyl at home and on my phone, I am in awe of the precedence she set for women in the music industry and how timeless her work is. I am still smarting I missed her perform it whole in Hyde Park last summer.

So I am pleased that Beautiful interprets, and continues to do so on tour, her brilliant life story with aplomb.

Lastly, in terms of a sing-a-long musical, Beautiful is the ultimate. I dare you to see it and not know at least five songs and fall in love with them all over again.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs until November 4. Tickets can be bought by ringing 029 2063 6464

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