Beautiful The Musical The Carole King Story - Altrincham Garrick

AS a lifelong fan of indie music with a dash of early David Bowie and a sprinkling of soul, I approached this show somewhat uncertain of the timeless classics Carole King wrote and co-wrote.

A quick flick through the programme before the show and so began my education, for she and husband Gerry Goffin produced songs like factories churn out cars and when the couple divorced, her creative juices carried on flowing.

This show tells how a determined teenager, encouraged into teaching by her parents, defied them a chose a ccareer path that enabled her and Goffin to produce brilliant numbers ranging from Will You Love Me Tomorrow to that sure fire floor filler The Locomotion to Up On The Roof, immortalised by the velvety voiced quartet, The Drifters.

Madeleine Healey is so good as Carole I would willingly pay good money to hear her sing a bus timetable and there’s a natural chemistry between her and Ronan Pilkington as Goffin, who is equally vocally gifted.

Their acting is also first rate, especially during the couple’s domestics, fuelled in part by Goffin’s struggle to come to terms with what he saw as the changing face of pop music.

I just can’t give the kids what they want anymore and all that.

Any musical that has Mark Goggins as its musical director is sure to be beyond good.

But how ca I not mention Joseph Meighan? As the Garrick’s artistic director, he’s taken a company already renowned and respected to the next level regarding the standards of productions here and this, his latest production, is sure to further his reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic directors around.

I reviewed for the first time at the Garrick in September 1987 when I was so much younger, slimmer and had a full head of hair.

This season has, for me, been the company’s best to date and I plead with you not to miss this high class evening of musical theatre.

Until June 29. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - *****

Photo by Martin Ogden.