Katie Brayben has been crowned Best Actress in a Musical at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard, triumphing for her performance as the eponymous music icon in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.
The actress fought off competition from a trio of acclaimed leading ladies comprising Made In Dagenham’s Gemma Arterton, Memphis The Musical star Beverley Knight and previous Olivier Award winner Tamsin Greig (Women On A Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown The Musical).
Talking to us backstage after accepting the award, Brayben said: “I’m still in shock, I can’t believe it.
It’s the most important award for theatrical – I don’t want to say excellence because I’ve got one and it feels a bit weird to say that. Theatre means everything to me. It’s my life so I’m overjoyed.”
Brayben took on the role of Carole King for the musical’s West End premiere in February, when her soulful and moving portrayal of the legendary singer-songwriter led the Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings to describe the actress as “A star in the making”.
Taking audiences on a musical journey from King’s first meeting with lyricist Gerry Goffin through marriage, motherhood and monumental success, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical sees Brayben tackle many of the artist’s most successful hits including Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Take Good Care Of My Baby, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and the title track, Beautiful.
Speaking to us about playing the singer-songwriter at the annual Olivier Awards Nominees Lunch, Brayben said: “She’s a genius, she’s an incredible musician, an amazing woman, an incredible mother, so it’s amazing to play her and go through this journey with her every night and tell part of her story.”
Brayben continues to star in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, which also features music by rival songwriting duo Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, at the Aldwych Theatre through to the end of its current booking period.
