Birmingham Hippodrome is preparing to welcome Bronté Barbé in the role of ‘Carole King’ as the UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning 'Beautiful - The Carole King Musical' storms into Birmingham next week.
'Beautiful' tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation, including one of the best-selling albums of all time, 'Tapestry', and countless classics such as '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman', 'Take Good Care of My Baby', 'You’ve Got a Friend', 'It Might as Well Rain Until September', 'Up on the Roof' and 'The Locomotion'.
The show received its Broadway premiere in 2014, where it continues to play to packed houses at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The London production ended its triumphant two and a half year run at the Aldwych earlier this year and productions in Tokyo and Australia opened within the last few months.
Bronté Barbé was a finalist in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC1 television series “Over The Rainbow” in 2010. Since then she has appeared on stage in both London’s West End and around the UK. Previous credits include 'Cool Rider' in the West End and the UK Tour of 'Shrek -The Musical'. She most recently starred in 'The Wild Party' at The Other Palace.
Bronté will be joined by Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband and song-writing partner ‘Gerry Goffin’, Amy Ellen Richardson as song-writer ‘Cynthia Weil’, Matthew Gonsalves as song-writer ‘Barry Mann’, Carol Royle as King’s mother ‘Genie Klein’ and Adam Howden as music publisher and producer ‘Donnie Kirshner’.
Kane Oliver Parry has West End credits including 'Wicked' and 'Urinetown' alongside the International Arena Tour of 'We Will Rock You', whilst Amy Ellen Richardson is best known for stints in 'Crazy For You' and 'Les Miserables' as well as the UK Tour of 'Singin’ in the Rain'.
Matthew Gonsalves most recently appeared in the West End production of 'Beautiful', alongside Leigh Lothian. His other theatre credits include 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Dreamboats and Petticoats', both on UK Tour.
'Beautiful - The Carole King Musical' arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome between November 7th and 11th 2017 and then visits again between 31st January and 3rd February 2018. For more information, or to book tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
