Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

In recent years there has been a huge trend in the adaptation of famous popular songs catalogues into musical theatre productions. Known as the ‘Jukebox musical’ the trend gained momentum when the songs of ABBA formed Mamma Mia! and struck gold.

Granted there have been some flops such as Lennon and Good Vibrations, but one only has to look at shows such as We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys and Rock of Ages to know this theatre genre is well an truly a part of modern-day popular culture

In the case of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, critics have it’s been a thumbs-up since it made its Broadway debut at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre last year. As the title suggests, it tells the story of legendary singer/songwriter Carol King’s rise to success from small-town beginnings to worldwide fame (her Tapestry album

While some critics have suggested that the story lacks enough drama, most have praised the performances, songs and an overall bounce to win over the audience. Add to that sold-out performances and accolades that include a Tony Award to leading actress Jessie Mueller (who remarkable does look like a young Carole King). Also gaining great popularity has been Canadian co-star Jake Epstein in the role of King’s then husband and co-writer Gerry Goffin.

With the Broadway season moving on to a US tour, the London West End production is currently up and running with an all-British cast including Katie Brayben (Mamma Mia) as King and Alan Morrissey (I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical) as Goffin.

Overall, reviews for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical have been positive and we an expect to see it around for a good while yet.

With classic numbers like I Feel The Earth Move, It’s Too Late and You’ve Got A Friend, how can this musical be anything more but, beautiful!

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is playing at London’s West End Aldwych Theatre. For more visit www.

Trivia Fact: Carole King also wrote many songs for other artists, including Chains for The Beatles, Pleasant Valley Sunday for The Monkees and The Locomotion for Little Eva.