Beautiful - Aldwych Theatre

I must admit I knew virtually nothing of Carole King prior to seeing this show. It was a surprise for me then to learn that despite not knowing of her, I knew several of her songs. The musical charts her life, beginning with her as a slightly awkward teenager growing up in New York with the one desire of becoming a song writier. The story interchanges between her successes as a song writer and her failing marriage to Gerry Goffin, also a song writer. Katie Brayben plays the lead role well. There are several comic moments in the piece, many centred around Carol and Gerry’s friendly rival with fellow song writing couple Cynthia Weil and Barry Man.

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, Locomotion, Take Good Care of My Baby and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow were among some of numbers I recognised.

Beautiful can be seen @ Aldwych Theatre until 5th August

Motown The Musical - Shaftesbury Theatre

Written and co-produced by Berry Gordy this musical charts the rise of the Motown empire. The audience are taken on a whirlwind tour through Grody’s life. His attempts at boxing, car sales and his entry into the music business. With hit after hit, we hear an impressive array of old favourites from Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations and the Jackson 5. There is also music from Stevie Wonder. The music and dancing are on top form and though the story line misses the beat in a few places and feels slightly hurried in others, it’s an overall feel good show. As ‘Diana’ approaches the audience for a live singer to join her it can feel a little cringing (I’ve seen the show twice). My advise - go for the music and you won’t be disappointed.

Motown The Musical can be seen @ Shaftesbury Theatre until 24th February 

Whisper House - The Other Palace

During the Second World War Christopher is sent to live off the coast with his aunt Lily after the death of his father and his mother's committal to an asylum. Lily has a very close relation with her Japanese handyman who also lives in the lighthouse with them. But after an order is issued banning foreign nationals from living in the area his aunt lives, Christopher finds himself in a dilemma. The piece tries its best to be haunting and eerie but fell short for me. Characters appear a little under developed and though the singers have great vocals, the music becomes a little tedious after a while.

Whisper House @ The Other Palace has now ended