Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Carole King was the most successful female songwriter in the UK. Co-writing over 100 hits, both in the UK and US, her name is synonymous to many other writers of the time, and in collaboration with her first husband, Gerry Goffin, they proved that perseverance and pure hard work certainly pays off as they churned out one classic after another.

Douglas McGrath’s idea to turn this story into a musical is  genius. So many wonderful melodies, fascinating lyrics mixed with a be-bop style is the perfect recipe for a cracking nights entertainment – that is what Walmsley Church AODS delivered. A flawless opening night with standout performances, succinct musical direction by Cath Hilton, and fitting choreography by Lara Syddall, true to its time, Director Nora Howcroft has played a blinder in making  Beautiful, beautiful.

The 2-storey set, with central sliding door and first floor walkway, was used to great effect and with clever use of insets with a moveable piano made each scene believable.

The ensemble worked hard, as they wandered in and out with matching dresses bedecked with music notes and many wig changes, helping to bring the 60s to life. With a lack of male chorus, the female chorus did well in getting the male numbers over with great style.

Olivia O’Connell as Janelle Woods sang effortlessly and looked suitably glam as she led the Shirelles, Julie Ogden and Eileen Reeves who together made a great sound.

Alan Moss portrayed music producer Donny Kirschner effectively whilst Michael Chesterfield brought a comedy touch to his cameos bringing a smile to our faces.

Other cameos by Jo Whittaker, Molly Hadfield, Kathryn Nuttall and Zoe Pollitt were credible and added to the success of this production.

Those who know the story of Carole King will know of her somewhat turbulent marriage to Gerry Goffin and the professional friendship she had with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. These four characters are the lynch pin to this production and, oh my, are they in good hands!

Vicki Wilson exudes style as Cynthia Weil, developing in character, from wannabe lyricist to successful music professional. Vicki has a natural stage presence which was on display throughout. Her partner in crime, both professionally and personally was Joe Connor as Barry Mann. Seasoned performer, Joe was brilliant. He played it as an almost happy go lucky chap with a sensitive side, embroiled with a touch of comedy. This pairing worked really well.

As Carole’s husband and work partner, Gerry Goffin, Joshua Clayton-Heal was on form as he easily switched from doting husband to a man on the edge, Joshua paced his performance just right and gave his delivery thought and consideration as he strived to get Carole to see things from his point of view, resulting in his frustration being settled by infidelity.

The glue that holds this production together is the outstanding performance by Catherine Hall as Carole King. Wow – what a performance! From the opening scene, sat at the piano, to the closing scene, sat at the piano, it was clear where Carole king belonged, sat at the piano! and equally it was clear where Catherine Hall belonged – on stage in the role of Carole King, which could have been made for her. Every nuance of characterisation oozed from Catherine’s pores, stunning vocals were performed effortlessly and a crystal-clear narrative delivery that ensured every word was heard. This performance would not have been out of place on many a west end stage – sheer perfection.

Congratulations WCAODS in having the confidence to take on this new musical and having the skill and ability to pull it off so successfully.

Thank you for your hospitality.

Paul Cohen

Walmsley Church AODS were quick to acquire the rights to 'Beautiful' telling the story of one of the most successful female songwriters Carole King - having songs in the charts spanning many years and writing for the likes of The Drifters, Janelle, Shirelles, The Monkeys, Bobby Vee and Aretha Franklin to mention a few - the list goes on. Her own album Tapestry was very successful receiving album of the year and she was the first solo female artist to win a Grammy for Record of the Year. I must say there were some surprises to me of some of the songs she had written. The book was by Douglas McGrath who comes with his own long list of awards.

The biopic of Carole Kings life is told episodically, so the staging needed to be functional and quick to changes to keep the audience engaged. The simple set on two levels with projection on the back wall of some of the artists whose songs were being sung at the time in the scen. The back wall with musical notes on was framed by strip lights complete with sliding door. The cast and crew then manoeuvred the furniture changing scenes including a settee, bed, piano, baby grand, desk with chair and table with chair. All done slickly. Stage Manager John West, Crew - Anne Cocking, Nora Howcroft, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West and Janet Witt. Properties David and Janet Witt. Lighting and Sound all added to the effects with Sound being unobtrusive as it should be. Sound Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier and Lighting Nathan Emmison.

Costume and wigs worked well and the chorus in the white and black musical note dresses and shirts looked the part. Carole’s wardrobe looked good with her dressing age appropriate as we watched her grow and mature. Wardrobe by Eileen Reeves.

Not a big dance show, Lara Syddall used her magic and brought out the best in the numbers with appropriate choreography. Musical Director Cath Hilton must have had fun with this show and also worked really hard with Catherine Hall to produce the amazing sound that filled the hall. So many great numbers. A lot of foot tapping was going on in the audience.

Nora Howcroft directs and you can see she has had a blast. Its not easy with not having the men but that did not deflect from the sound that came out. She took on the challenge and ran with it.

The ensemble worked well together supporting the story. The cast were Michael Chesterfield playing Neil Sedaka. David Witt as Lou Adler. Kathryn Nuttall as Lucille. Playing Carole’s mum was Jo Whitaker as Genie Klein. Zoe Pollitt as Marilyn Wald and childhood friend to Carole was Betty played by Molly Hadfield.

Olivia O’Connell as Janelle Woods and one of the Shirelles was in fine voice as was Eileen Reeves as Little Eva and also one of the Shirelles, the third Shirrelle was Julie Ogden. All giving great energy.

Alan Moss played the boss and star maker Donny Kirschner billed as the man with the golden ear. Harsh but fair and a soft spot for Carole which was well played out in the scenes. Vicki Wilson played the other female songwriter Cythnia Weil who only just died in 2023. Together with her husband Barry Mann played by Joe Connor who had so many ailments we couldn’t keep up with them all, Vicki and Joe worked really well together and brought the light relief with their repartee and throw away lines. They looked really comfortable together on stage. And not to forget how much success they had in the music industry as a couple together. Great work.

Joshua Clayton-Heal as Gerry Goffin a troubled character trapped in his own torment who treats Carole badly.  His simmering anger was evident and his final breakdown well played.

What can I say Catherine Hall as Carole King was genius casting. She had me from the moment the show started. It was a truly well-rounded mesmerising performance and one I will remember for a long time. Every little detail thought of and working well with the rest of the cast. Her difficult relationship with her mother and husband and her friendship with Cynthia and Barry she didn’t act Carole King, she was Carole King. Beautiful

Thank you from my guest and I for the invite and hospitality. WCAODS must surely be thrilled with this show.

Liz Hume-Dawson