Alhambra: Bradford – until 7 March 2020
Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough
4****
Beautiful tells the story of American singer songwriter Carole King who, after partnering with Gerry Goffin, went on to write number one hits for the Drifters, the Righteous Brothers and many more. She became a singer herself writing her own songs and having hits with (You Make me Feel Like) a Natural Woman, You’ve got a Friend and many more.
This production starts with 16-year-old Carole (Played by Hollyoaks star Daisy Wood-Davis) meeting Gerry Goffin (Adam Gillian) at college and follows their professional and personal relationship, writing music together while being married and sharing 2 children. Beautiful will have you feeling a range of emotions, there is joy and laughter alongside heartbreak for Carole as her relationship with Gerry becomes strained. Ultimately, we see how successful she becomes with the show opening and closing with her performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Daisy Wood-Davies is extremely good, portraying Carole from a 16-year-old college student through her divorce at 28 and on to her own career. This transition is portrayed effortlessly by Wood-Davies. Adam Gillian, is also great, showing Goffin’s struggling between wanting to be a family man and wanting to feel young and progress in his career. The two of them work very well together and have great chemistry on stage.
Other notable performances come from Laura Baldwin and Cameron Sharp, who play Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Rivals and friends of King and Goffin. Their performances add humour to the show, they bounce off each other and add a lighter note to some of the more serious moments. The ensemble is also very good with performances from the Drifters, the Righteous brothers and Little Eva among others.
The Direction (Marc Bruni), Choreography (Josh Prince) are difficult to find fault with and the set design and costumes were excellent, really fitting with 1960s setting.
This is a fantastic show, if you like 60s/70s music you will have a great time, even if you don’t know Carole King, I can almost guarantee you will know her songs and will be singing along.