Reviewed by Sophie Ross
27th February 2018
Reviewer Rating:★★★★
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical has been wowing audiences around the UK and Ireland since September. This week, it made a stop at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking and we went along to check it out.
Beautiful tells the story of singer/songwriter Carole King and her journey to stardom. Through her relationship with Husband Gerry Goffin and friendships with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, it gives you a real insight into her rise to the top and how she turned her dream into a reality by believing in herself.
Bronte Barbe takes on the lead role as Carole King, showing vulnerability, strength and passion. Her vocal is beautiful and her real time to shine was during “Natural Woman”, where she really let loose and gave every emotion imaginable. Embodying the role of Carole with ease, she gives an all-round amazing performance.
Kane Olivier Parry plays Gerry Goffin and for us, the standout performance of the show playing the role so perfectly. With an incredible vocal, he gives the character both light and shade with just the right amount of swagger. Through his performance you can really understand the trials, tribulations and mental health issues that Goffin was going through at the time and he really plays it so well.
Matthew Gonsalves and Amy Ellen Richardson play songwriter duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, friends of Carole and Gerry. The pair click so well together and make the relationship between themselves so believable. Both were a joy to watch on stage and brought joy to their characters. With their comedic timing on point, brilliant vocals and a juxtaposition to the other leads, it was great to watch and learn about the incredible career they had.
The show will have you bopping along in your seat with so many classic songs that you’d be surprised to find out were written by Carole King. Songs like Take Good Care of My Baby, I’m into Something Good and the classic (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. The choreography is slick and true to it’s time, the set of a West End standard and an ensemble filled with uber talented people, all of which deserve individual shoutouts.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical plays at the New Victoria,
Woking until March 3rd.
The Theatre Hub 