Photo Credit: Will Green Photography – Eloise Richardson, Jake Halsey-Jones, Nicola Bryan
A Guest Review by Birgit Bennett – New Wolsey Theatre 21st April 2026
Living on the Suffolk Coast I thought I knew all there is to know about Radio Caroline. I was wrong.
The show starts with a sequence that seems confusing at first but quickly shows that the story’s background is on repeat through modern history and probably beyond – new developments scare people and the establishment.
The story of the radio station is beautifully crafted around a love story between two normal people trying to make a living in Clacton. Yet one of them dares to think outside the box, wants more than just a normal job. He finds it as a DJ at Radio Caroline and we witness the ups and downs of this endeavour towards liberty based on the lives of these two young lovers … Robbie and Caroline.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography – Perry Meadowcroft, Joey Hickman, James Lawrence
The cast is bursting with musical talent, many actors double up as musicians, some playing several instruments. The singing is brilliant throughout and most of the characters are absolutely believable. The whole production feels like a mixture of Grease and a Christmas pantomime albeit without audience participation.
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography – Eloise Richardson, Jake Halsey-Jones, Nicola Bryan
The stage is constantly being reset whilst the spectators eye is drawn to one side or another following cast members demanding the attention. The changes are clear and it is easy to follow where the action is taking place at any given time. The production is almost faultless and the slight mishaps I noticed only add to the live performance thrill. They were dealt with swiftly and professionally. The stage hands must get a mention. Brilliant job!
Photo Credit: Will Green Photography – Perry Meadowcroft, Joey Hickman, James Lawrence
The show is entertaining with a good, clear message that is delivered in a way that allows the audience to either pick it up or to decide to just enjoy a good night out with great music, mainly from the 60s.
This musical is more than just a love story, history lesson and musical. It is a portrait of social history that still repeats itself, a lesson on state influence on our everyday lives and a message of hope that freedom and mild anarchy will prevail. But above all it is a jolly good night out!
Caroline A New Musical runs until Saturday 2nd May at the New Wolsey Theatre – to find out more and book tickets visit their website or call the Box office on 01473 295900
SUFFOLK THEATRE 