Interview: Cassidy Janson - London's New Carole King In BEAUTIFUL!

Congratulations on the role - are you a fan of Carole King?

Absolutely. Her music is incredible. I have been a Carole King fan for many years, I grew up with her extraordinary music. Every song on her album Tapestry tells a heartfelt story which people of all ages can relate to and that is what makes it a timeless classic.

Do you have a favourite King song to listen to or perform?

Funnily enough, I've been singing Natural Woman as an audition song for 10 years. It is one of her iconic numbers that I always enjoy singing. It was a real privilege to be asked to play Carole King and being able to perform her catalogue of hits night after night on stage at the Aldwych Theatre is really special to me.

You've tweeted about your costume fittings - are you a fan of the fashion?!

I really love her act two style. Very hippy 70's style. It's kind of like my own. I'm a boho chic girl at heart.

Tell us about your new colleagues - how are you and Diane Keen settling in? Does it help that the other leads are all staying on from the original cast?

Diane and I have had a great time creating our mother/daughter scenes together. I have to say the entire cast, creative and production team are AMAZINGLY supportive and encouraging. They've all made me feel incredibly welcome. The leads that are staying (Lorna Want, Ian McIntosh and Alan Morrissey) have been brilliant. They're really up for creating a fresh show with me.

You're taking on a role from an actress who won an Olivier Award for her portrayal - is that something that makes you feel the pressure, or is it a challenge to rise to?

Someone else pointed that out to me recently and in all honesty, I'd never really thought of it like that before. I think that might be due to the fact I'm actually good friends with Katie Brayben and I know how completely down to earth she is. I was having lunch with Katie the day I got the offer through for the part and she was just chuffed to bits for me.

Cassidy Janson plays Carole King in Beautiful at the Aldwych Theatre.

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