Beautiful

In one hundred and fourty pulsating minutes the cast and crew take you on King's journey. During her career more than 1000 artists have interpreted the songs of Carole King which has resulted in 100 hit singles, tonight (Wednesday) we were treated to some of the best including Will You Love Me Tomorrow - Shirelles, Up on the Roof - The Drifters, The Locomotion - Little Eva, You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling - The Righteous Brothers.

King meets, falls in love with and marries lyricist Gerry Goffin after becoming pregnant whilst still in her teens having two children together before the breakdown of the marriage as a result of his philandering. Together their creative partnership produces hit after hit albeit challenged by their friends and fellow song writers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

A shy teenager with a passion for music writing songs from her Mum's Brooklyn apartment Bronte Barbe is convincing as King non more so than when she tells Goffin its all over and its her time now. Leaving her husband she moves with her daughters  to Los Angeles becoming a star in her own right. In February 1971 her multi award winning album Tapestry was released.

Congratulations to Amy Ellen Richardson (Cynthia) and Matthew Gonsalves (Barry) for their outstanding vocals and comic timing.

Barbe brings the show to a wonderful climax with two of her finest songs (You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman and Beautiful the perfect finale.

Leaving the theatre I overheard someone say "I never realised how many of her songs I know' that person was 30ish that is like so many of us regardless of age...

Runs until Saturday, 7th April at the Bristol Hippodrome.