All eyes were on Katie Brayben on stage at the Aldwych Theatre last night as she gave a career-defining performance in the West End premiere of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical… until a certain Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter stole the limelight, that is.
Just as audiences thought they’d seen all that this Tony Award-winning hit, which charts Carole King’s journey to stardom through her incredible back catalogue of hits, had to offer in the way of dazzling performances, the legendary artist took to the stage for a curtain call that had audience members whooping and cast members weeping.
Joined by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, whose song-writing partnership is also portrayed in the musical, King praised Brayben and her fellow cast members, which include Ian McIntosh, Lorna Want and Alan Morrissey, for doing their story such spectacular justice.
After paying tribute to her ex-husband Gerry Goffin, who died last year and whose relationship with King provides the basis for Douglas McGrath’s book, King led a rendition of one of her greatest hits, You’ve Got A Friend, before the audience leapt out of their seats for an uproarious standing ovation.
Those on hand to witness the on-stage spectacle were musical theatre actress Elaine Paige, singer Petula Clark and comedian Victoria Wood. For those who weren’t, you can take a look at the highlights in our gallery above.