Hull New Theatre – until 25 November 2017. Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
5*****
“Girls don’t write music, they teach it” says Carole King’s mother at the beginning of this musical, thankfully of course she ignored this piece of advice and we follow her progress from the young 16 year old selling her first piece of music to a performance at the Carnegie Hall as a multi Grammy award winner. And what music it is, from the early hits such as “It might as well rain until September” to “You’ve got a friend” and the stunning “Beautiful”.
Bronté Barbé is superb as Carole King, her voice is powerful and indeed beautiful, yet it is also full of pathos and poignancy. She is totally believable as the gauche young school girl growing into the married successful songwriter, who still somehow does not quite believe in herself. She never faltered in showing Carole King’s emotions and made us feel with her.
Grant McConvey as Gerry Goffin was convincing in his relationship with Carole, appearing almost contemptuous towards her as the relationship broke down. The audience last night was clearly fully immersed in the story, as when Carole finally told Gerry Goffin enough was enough there was a huge round of applause!
The story also includes the songs of Carole’s friends and song writing rivals Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann (played with just the right touch by Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves), who add humour to the story.
The music is always at the centre of this production and the ensemble do a fabulous job of bringing it alive and evoking the period in which it was produced. There is slick dancing from “The Drifters” and “Shirelles” whilst “Little Eva” leads the Locomotion across the stage. Scenes and songs change rapidly and smoothly, the lighting and scenery taking us from office to homes to “on the roof”. A special mention should go to the costumes which accurately depicted the passing years.
Full of timeless music and superb talent, this show is definitely one to go and see.