It makes a refreshing change for the life and works of a songwriter to be celebrated in a musical, rather than solely a singer or band.
And it’s soon apparent just how much there is to celebrate when it comes to Carole King – an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent – and, quite frankly, mind blowing back catalogue of hits.
Following her first number one hit at the age of 17 with Will You Love Me Tomorrow? King – with lyricist Gerry Goffin, played by Tom Milner – has become part of music legend. Cue the Belgrade Theatre’s sensational musical journey through such greats as Take Good Care of My Baby (Bobby Vee in 1961); The Locomotion (Little Eva 1962); Up On The Roof (The Drifters 1962); Chains (The Cookies 1962, The Beatles 1961); One Fine Day (The Chiffons 1963); I’m Into Something Good (Herman’s Hermits 1964) and Don’t Bring Me Down (The Animals 1966).
Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit song-writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.
The takes us back to the heart of King’s landmark 1971 album Tapestry, which won a string of plaudits and remained the best-selling album by a female artist for a quarter of a century.
Molly-Grace Cutler (The Worst Witch) steps into the huge shoes of this enormously talented musical icon with aplomb. Cutler and Milner (Waterloo Road) bring something extremely special to the Coventry opening night audience with their on-stage partnership, more than ably assisted by Seren Sandham-Davies and Jos Slovick, as fellow prolific songwriters of the time Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
At the centre of this talented troupe of versatile musicians, it’s Cutler’s raw and distinctive vocals that most impress. Look out for more of her in the future.
Don’t be put off if, like me, if you had little prior knowledge of King’s career. You’re familiar with far more of her hits than you realise and will be singing them all the way home.
If you’re hankering after something uplifting as the autumn nights draw in, I can’t recommend this one enough. Grab your ticket and be part of one of the most enjoyable two hours of live entertainment you’ll have for some time.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical plays at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre until Saturday. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/
