Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Aldwych Theatre

After making a buzz on Broadway, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which charts the early years of the legendary singer-songwriter, has proved just as impressive on the West End. On the list of 2015 Olivier nominations 2015, Beautiful has been shortlisted a staggering eight times: best costumes, sound design, choreography, outstanding achievement in music, best supporting actor and actress in a musical, best lead actress in a musical and best new musical. 

The central part of King won Broadway star Jessie Mueller a Tony award last year, yet she will not be reprising her role across the pond and rumour has it that the West End producers are on the hunt for an entirely British cast. Filling Mueller's shoes is British actress Katie Brayben, a relative newcomer with plenty of promise. We predicted that the lead role in Beautiful could make her a big star, and a Best Actress Olivier nomination is a bright start. 

Even if the name Carole King doesn’t initially ring a bell, her songs most certainly will, with titles such as Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman featuring in her back catalogue. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is the latest jukebox musical to hit the West End and will be looking to emulate the success of the likes of Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys and We Will Rock You, and with the stellar material provided by King’s songbook, it certainly has plenty of potential.