We talk with Esther Hannaford, one of Australia’s most acclaimed musical theatre stars, who plays the role of a lifetime as the legendary Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. 

Most recently Esther has been in LA performing with The Four Larks Theatre Company in their critically acclaimed production of The Temptation of St Antony. In Australia, she has recently performed in Mr Burns for Belvoir Theatre Company and was honoured to receive the 2016 Sydney Theatre Critic Award and a Helpmann Nomination for her portrayal of Audrey in the National Tour of Little Shop of Horrors.

The true story of the legendary singer’s journey from schoolgirl to international superstar, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical combines Douglas McGrath’s book with a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin / Carole King and Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil.

Hits include Will You Love Me Tomorrow, It’s Too Late, Take Good Care of My Baby,  Locomotion, You’ve Got a Friend, (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman, So Far Away, One Fine Day, Tapestry and I Feel the Earth Move along with chartbusting Mann/Weil tunes such as You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, On Broadway and Uptown.