Arcola Creative Engagement

Beautiful (not the Carole King Musical)

Created by the company, from an original idea by Paul O’Donnell

Directed by: Nick Connaughton, with Paul O’Donnell

“Tommy used to work on the docks / Union’s been on strike / He’s down on his luck / It’s tough, so tough…”

Beautiful (not the Carole King Musical) is the tragic story of a docker, a waitress and their forbidden love for one another.

Featuring the immortal music of Sir Jon Bon Jovi*, this joyous musical extravaganza arrives with 12 Olivier nominations including Best New Musical** and universal critical acclaim***.

It takes a sideways look at the pomp and circumstance of modern jukebox musicals, and asks us to question if the art of imagination is being lost to machinery, illusion and extravagance.

Co-created with performance artist Paul O’Donnell (Associate Artist at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Theatre Absolute, Coventry), Beautiful is the latest production from Arcola’s acclaimed performance company for older adults. Previous work includes The Uncommercial Traveller with Punchdrunk and the 2016 sell-out hit, 27 Protagonists.

 

* Jon Bon Jovi will not appear in person; Jon Bon Jovi is not an actual Sir.
** Not guaranteed, but if there is any justice in the world, this show will at least take home Best Design.
*** Critical response is subjective.

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