Caroline – A New Musical
There aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Radio Caroline—arguably the most famous radio station in the world. From its launch in 1964 through to the present day, its story has been fascinating, rebellious, and at times turbulent. It’s been told in books, documentaries and films… and now, it arrives on stage at the New Wolsey Theatre.
Writer Vikki Stone boldly focuses on the station’s first era, from its inception in 1964 to its initial closure in 1968. Given that Radio Caroline was the first all-day pop music station many in Britain ever heard, it feels entirely fitting that its story is told through a musical. Cleverly, the production weaves in songs of the era so seamlessly that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were written specifically for the show.
As a long-time “pirate radio geek,” I took my seat with some trepidation. Happily, there was no need to worry. The storytelling remains impressively faithful to real events—while still allowing for creative licence. After all, this is theatre, not documentary. Even the most dedicated enthusiasts will struggle to find much to nit-pick.
This is another of the Wolsey’s actor-musician productions—and the talent on stage is exceptional, with some truly standout vocal performances.
The characters themselves are fictional but clearly inspired by real figures from the time. We follow Caroline (Claire Lee Shenfield), an ordinary young woman whose boyfriend Robbie (Jake Halsey-Jones) finds himself swept up in the excitement of working on the newly launched Radio Caroline. As the station becomes an overnight sensation, Robbie is drawn into its whirlwind success. Meanwhile, a government minister (played by Gareth Cooper, bearing more than a passing resemblance to Tony Benn) attempts to shut down this rule-breaking broadcaster beyond official control.
Packed with memorable characters, toe-tapping music, and a genuinely engaging story, Caroline: A New Musical strikes a fine balance—appealing equally to die-hard radio fans and those simply looking for a great night out.
It’s a production that succeeds where others have stumbled, and it’s hard not to come away smiling.
Don’t miss it. It runs at the New Wolsey Theatre until 2nd May, before touring to the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Theatre Peterborough, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
More information https://carolineanewmusical.com
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Picture: Will Green Photography