The Sweet Caroline Ultimate Tribute Event - Review

Adelphi Theatre, London

****

Gary Ryan

The Sweet Caroline Ultimate Tribute event, from the creators of Fastlove and The Magic of Motown, takes one on a musical journey that bridges generations through music and is a tribute to Neil Diamond, a man who with more than 130 million records sold worldwide, now marks the 50th anniversary of his career.

Simply staged, with only a few lighting changes during the show, Gary Ryan and his band deliver an exceptional take on a selection of Diamond’s classic numbers. The evening’s first act is mainly based on Diamond's early career and solo albums and is a fascinating trip back in time. One is transported to the 1960s and 70s with songs like "I’m A Believer", crossing through different music styles that range from country with songs like "Cracklin' Rosie" to reggae with songs like "Red Red Wine". Throughout, Ryan shares personal anecdotes about his relationship with Neil Diamond's music.

The show however lacks a little structure and occasionally the performances seemed flat. Perhaps if the evening's visual components were enhanced - maybe some well imagined projections - it may add to a greater audience connection?

The music though is flawless. The second half proving a treat with Diamond’s classics including "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," before concluding with "Sweet Caroline" and "I Am... I Said" the perfect way to wrap up the performance.

Reviewed by Ana Gonzalez

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical - Review

Churchill Theatre, Bromley


****

Directed by Marc Bruni

It’s rare to get a glimpse into the magic of the songwriting process. From idea to creating initial elements, to arrangement and recording, before finally arriving at the final product, each song progresses through an alchemy of talent, collaboration and, quite often, a dash of luck. Beautiful provides a window exceptionally well, often beginning with flashes of inspiration, sketching out the skeleton on the piano before transitioning into the final version as performed by the recording artist themselves. However this is just one of the qualities that contributes to truly memorable music.

Carole King’s remarkable journey is reflected in this delightful jukebox musical. From writing songs throughout childhood, to joining the Brill Building and Aldon Music, Don Kirshner’s publishing “hit factory” (with fellow writers and friends Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and which also included Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and Neil Sedaka), having two children with then husband Gerry Goffin and moving from New York to Los Angeles - all before turning 30 - it’s quite the adventure.

Of King’s marriages, this story focuses exclusively on the first with Gerry Goffin; partner in life and work. The two churn out an impressive  discography, writing hits for The Drifters, The Shirelles and The Monkees, with many songs taking on a life of their own with recordings made over the years by various artists, some of the more recent covers being; Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Amy Winehouse), The Loco-Motion (Kylie Minogue) and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin). It is all as educational as much as it is entertaining, providing ample reasons to support King’s numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, alongside Goffin.

Douglas McGrath’s book is snappy, funny and moving. And with words and music by King, Goffin, Mann and Weil, each song is nothing short of exceptional. These are, after all, pop masterpieces. With these foundations in place, a stellar cast in possession of strong vocals and personality is required – delivered impressively in this iteration of the show.

Helmed by Daisy Wood-Davis’ Carole, the bar is set high. Wood-Davis manages to be sweet and driven, while being phenomenally talented. Her vocal performances are outstanding, particularly when in higher registers. Yet what’s most enjoyable is her characters interactions with her peers; Laura Baldwin’s sharp Cynthia Weil, Cameron Sharp’s Barry Mann and Adam Gillian’s Gerry Goffin. Special mention too to Oliver Boot, playing impresario Donnie Kirshner in a warm and engaging mentor-like role. 

For a touring production, one of the greatest challenges is a flexible set design and on this front, Derek McLane manages to have created something that fits comfortably on stage. Certain visuals are stunning; the backdrop of the Brill Building for example. Yet on occasion, a more simple approach might possibly have been more effective - at times the supposed grandeur of backdrops doesn’t have quite the desired effect. Alejo Vietti’s costumes are peppy and each costume change leads with an element of anticipation.

This is obviously a show for fans of Carole King but more than that, it is a show for lovers of great music. Simultaneously an homage to talent, love and friendship - with others and oneself - and a masterclass in musical theatre.

Currently touring until 29th August - Details here

Reviewed by Bhakti Gajjar

Beautiful Noise - Review

Lyric Theatre, London

**

Fisher Stevens

The producers of Thriller Live - now in its tenth year - presented the soulful and hearty vocals of Fisher Stevens as Neil Diamond in Beautiful Noise, on the West End stage for the first in a series of occasional future performances. This sweet gig however is strictly for Diamond fans who want to celebrate the life and music of the infamous solitary man, in the company of a live band and as much nostalgia as they can muster.

Telling the story of Neil Diamond’s rise to fame amid the birth of rock n roll and the glory of New York’s Brill Building, Stevens recounts countless Neil Diamond hits including ‘Cherry, Cherry’, ‘You’ll Be A Woman, Soon’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ - arguably the one that everyone was waiting for. It’s not hard to see how Diamond became one of the best songwriters in America, recognised to this day. Lyrically stunning but lesser known songs ‘I am... I said’ and ‘Play Me’ further reminded the audience just what a talent he is, in case there was any questioning… probably not given that Stevens recognised most of the front few rows of the audience from his tours up north! 

Despite the incredible repertoire, the show’s accompanying presentation of stock footage and photographs ultimately gave Beautiful Noise the feel of a wet evening at Butlins. This sensation is only re-inforced by it taking place amidst Shaftesbury Avenue's starry line up of hit shows, to say nothing of being performed on the stage of (the electrifying) Thriller Live on its night off. There is no doubting Diamond’s talent, nor Stevens’ prowess as a tribute singer too, (complete with shiny shirts and growling filler anecdotes) but there’s simply not enough substance here to warrant the ticket price to anyone other than die-hard fans.

A lacklustre night, albeit of gorgeous music and strictly for those who prefer both their jeans and their songs sung, blue.

Future performances on Mondays 10th June and 8th July and on tour

Reviewed by Heather Deacon