Beautiful: The Carole King Musical - The Aldwych Theatre

I'm a little late on this, but it takes about 3 weeks to get over the fact that you actually saw Carole King,

so forgive me.

Beautiful opened on Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews,

so it wasn't a surprise when the announcement came that it'd be making an appearance in the West End.

The musical follows Carole King,
in her life from the beginning of her career at the ripe age of 16,
with her first hits It Might As Well Rain Until September, and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,
to the making of her legendary album Tapestry into her first live performance at Carnegie Hall.

The story captures her success in topping the charts with husband and song-writing partner, Gerry Goffin,
along with the growing relationship with best friends, and fellow music legends, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann,

and moves on through the journey she takes of finding herself as a solo artist.

From some of Carole's most popular solo songs, 
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, It's Too Late, and You've Got A Friend,
to others that were given away to some of the top artists of the day,
Up On The Roof, Pleasant Valley Sunday, and Chains,
the show features hit after hit, making it quite hard to stay in your seat.

The cast compliment the music beautifully, giving a perfect portrayal of the story that plays alongside;
Katie Brayben is a force to be reckon with, leading the show as a Carole King,
Lorna Wants gives Cynthia Weil the spunk she deserves,
and Ian McIntosh adds the humor to the show as an overanxious Barry Mann
Each give a standout performance and are more than deserving of their most recent Olivier nominations.

  Once the show finished and the applause began, the cast got a surprise of a lifetime from Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and the incredible Carole King. They thanked the cast for the wonderful performance, and Carole took to the mic to speak. After praising the cast, she explained how Gerry would have enjoyed it just as much as she did. (Gerry Goffin sadly passed away in 2014)
She then continued saying, "I don't know if there's any better way to thank you, then to just say this.." and with a motion to the conductor, she began singing You've Got A Friend, inviting everyone to join in.   And yes, I absolutley cried. I have no shame.  

  Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs at The Aldwych Theatre. Performances are Monday to Saturday 7:30PM, with matinees Thursday & Satuday 2:30PM. The running time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes including one intermission. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------   Happy Travel Tuesday! Link up below!