Caroline, or Change
Caroline, or Change
Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and with performances that'll take your breath away, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is an imaginative and moving story of strength, revolution and hope. With a “voice full of raw soul that shreds the heart, and sets it soaring” (The Times), don’t miss a career-defining central performance from Sharon D. Clarke in the five-star musical that changes everything.
Written by Tony Kushner, author of Angels in America, and starring Sharon D. Clarke in an astonishing "virtuoso performance" (The Times).
As if this incredible new musical wasn't exciting enough, the role of Caroline will be played by the extraordinary Naana Agyei-Ampadu on January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and on February 4th!
What is Caroline, Or Change about?
Set in the searing heat of Louisiana, against the explosive background of 1963 America, Caroline, Or Change is a deeply profound musical that explores a melting pot of cultural and racial issues.
Struggling to survive as the maid of a Jewish family, Caroline is afraid of not being able to support her family, but also equally afraid of all of the radical changes that are waiting just around the corner of history.
Featuring a sublime performance from Sharon D. Clarke, it’s no wonder that this Olivier award-winning new musical has been hailed as ‘a modern masterpiece’ (Evening Standard).
- Booking Information
The role of Caroline will be played by Naana Agyei-Ampadu on the following dates – 7 January, 14 January, 21 January, 28 January and Monday 4 February. Sharon D Clarke will NOT be performing during Monday performances from 7th January - 1st April 2019
- Good To Know
Audio Described performance Tuesday 26th February 19.30
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For access information please contact the Ambassador Theatre Group on 0800 912 6971.
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refund after booking.
- How Does It Work
Please print confirmation email and bring along with you to your performance.
- Where Do I Go
Playhouse Theatre
Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE
Reviews
Roxanne McKenna
Mar 4, 2019
Took my mother on her 77th birthday surprise and was blown away by the whole experience. Made us both cry and the performance was outstanding. Music was amazing and all actors involved in this performance looked like they were having a great time. Thank goodness got to see before the curtains finally closed on this performance. Thanks you to all for helping to make my mums birthday a success and making a proud woman proud of her own heritage. From a very appreciative daughter ThankYou...Roxanne McKenna
Jacqui J
Feb 18, 2019
I was not sure what to expect and was a little unsure when I found out it was mainly singing but have to say this was a very entertaining show. The singing and acting was great, well done cast!! I would recommend this play.
Laurence
Feb 17, 2019
I thought it was rubbish. Great singing and dancing but the storyline was bitty and of no substance. They could have made a lot more of the stories of the era. Rybbish
Sally kilby
Feb 17, 2019
Very good and entertaining the children singing where brillant
Suzy
Feb 8, 2019
Powerful and strong with amazing voices and music. The children actors were superb. Thr choreography was clever and the performance was seamless. Loved it all.
Rhianna Ricketts
Jan 26, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was engaging, intricate and ultimately dynamic. Sharon was nothing short of mesmerising along with the supporting cast, especially Emmie, Rose, Caroline’s old friend and Jo and Jackie were in quintessential unison - which weas eye-pleasing and ear-pleasing; Noah’s grandma also stood-out - very believeable. The band were terrific and I am yet to determine my own conclusion for the true meaning of Caroline or Change.
Mary D
Jan 20, 2019
Powerful production - what voices. Very moving with great moments of lightness and humour.
BevKan
Jan 20, 2019
This was so much better than I expected. From the first note, to the end, the most amazing voices heard throughout the play. Loved Caroline, her daughter and particularly the wonderful voice of the electric dryer/bus. A story that was beautifully told.
Brian and Tricia
Jan 19, 2019
Excellent show. Fantastic performances by all the cast . It was a surprise for my wife and we both loved it
Alan
Jan 19, 2019
From start to finish strong songs and strong performances by all.
Zoe
Jan 15, 2019
Hi This was an amazing musical - with a hugely talented cast across the whole production. There were stand out performances by many of the individuals and I was fascinated to see where the story was going. Despite having read the plot the clever nuances - kept us enthralled - amused and entertained from start to finish ! Brilliant - well done to you all !
Musicals Fan SLU
Jan 7, 2019
The Acting was very good. The Sing was as well. Though I found some of the parts that were sung should have been spoken or arranged differently. My favorite character was the wife, who played Caroline's boss.
anonymous
Jan 7, 2019
Rivetting from begining to end, especially for so many of us who grew up with devoted black women domestic workers. Lyrics and live accompaniment made a fascinating creative mix, most words understandable - alternately funny and gut-wrenchingly moving. A mix between Handel oratorio and The Supremes. Friends I was with did not understand the ending - did Caroline come back, but now upstairs?
Sinead
Jan 6, 2019
Great show , great voices , children particularly impressive .
Caroline
Jan 6, 2019
Outstanding performances,, moving and entertaining !
Julia
Jan 6, 2019
This was a brilliant show. Everything about it was brilliant. Go & see it, you won’t be disappointed.
Joe
Jan 3, 2019
Went to see this without any real knowledge of what it was about. Incredible sorry if inner turmoil and strength told through powerful performances and extraordinary voices. Highly recommend. Sharon d Clarke was mesmerising
Martin Sellick
Dec 30, 2018
The cast were outstanding, the story was easy to follow. I think the production would have benefited from a few big well known songs, as it was all the songs were new and therefore unknown.
Lisa
Dec 30, 2018
Still waiting for the change and still trying to fathom it all out.....was not a clear story line and at times,it didn’t seem to flow. Don’t think I would recommend.
Keith Hunt MBE
Dec 30, 2018
A great piece of musical theatre Staging and excellent performances a must to see
Jennix
Dec 21, 2018
This was such a wonderful production, it was faultless in every way. Every member of the cast has a super vocal range, great presence and all contributed to a total theatre experience. We loved it! The contrast between the black and Jewish community created great cultural resonance and timely reminder of the differences that still remain.
LLG
Dec 16, 2018
Wonderfull portrayal of 1963 life in the south. A variety of themes and factual event entwined and delivered admirably. Brilliant casting and musical performances.
Geraldine
Dec 16, 2018
There was no real storyline only briefly with screeching singing
Daryl Hunter
Dec 11, 2018
Amazing singers led Sharon - an amazing talent with some definite stars of the future. First class.
GPK
Dec 11, 2018
Some talented singers in this production but far too much singing with almost no spoken dialogue made it a little hard to follow in places; the singing was good, but some of the lyrics were difficult to pick up.
Faverville
Dec 9, 2018
SEE THIS FOR THE OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE FROM SHARON D CLARKE! SHE OWNS THE ENTIRE SHOW!
Mike
Dec 9, 2018
Not what i'd call a night's entertainment! It was miserable from start to finish. It's sung all the way through but there are no catchy songs and although the singing was ok the play never seemed to get going. A weak plot, weak songs, weak characters, and couldn't really see the point. There seemed to be no moral to the story. Awful. Save your money and put it towards a more uplifting show. We would have left at the interval but hoped it would get better, it didn't, and the second half seemed to go on for hours. Couldn't wait for it to end and then didnt even understand what happened at the end.
Julia
Dec 8, 2018
A dream-like musical with so much talent your heart is going to burst
Rashmita
Dec 7, 2018
Really well performed. Great singing.
Declan byrne
Dec 5, 2018
Great talent , but not a good night of entertainment . I left at the interval ??
Yasmin
Dec 4, 2018
Enjoyed the story behind the music and the singing was amazing! Taking my Sister to see it as as its worth watching again
Marilyn
Dec 2, 2018
We didn't know exactly what to expect but it was all much better than we imagined... fantastic singing from everyone, superb musical background, actors with lots of personality, very cute, talented children, great insight into the early 60's and a terrific story all round. We loved it!
Sandra
Dec 2, 2018
Slow start but picked up pace at the end. The cast are truely outstanding but the play is lacking in substance and therefore tends to be a little boring in parts.
Pangpang
Dec 2, 2018
Very disappointed by the story and music.
Paul j d theatres 30
Dec 1, 2018
It’s was an interesting style of musical, fun style with the fun characters particularly I loved the grandfather. Full of imagery in its style of stage work and lighting. Everything was believable. The music in itself wAs not quite what I expected. However the big black numbers were roof raising absolutely fabulous had every one on their feet which in my espereince rarely happens. Heavenly.
Elizabeth A
Dec 1, 2018
Very strong performances in Caroline, or Change. Sometimes funny sometimes moving but always entertaining. Odd title but if you go and see it, it will make sense.
Ryan
Nov 30, 2018
This musical is a really great piece of theatre. For anyone who has felt the pain of grief, isolation, depression, personality dissociation, suppression, or being part of a minority group it can be a really hard hitting message but also it helps reflect the pain we do to ourselves when we bury our pain and sadness and lose ourselves. Very relevant to today’s society and shows how these thoughts and feelings are present in every generation. It took awhile to get in to and actually I felt the protagonist who is clearly going through a lot needed a decent solo in the first half as I think the audience are wanting to connect to her more as the radio, washer, dryer, moon can be overpowering voices, lyrics get missed and as it’s a spoken sung musical you want to hear everything to follow the story. Second half so much better, songs structured better, clearer and more memorable. Fabulous cast, singers incredible, daughter and friend of Caroline were amazing and Caroline had me welling up when she finally got her moment. Overall for what we paid for seats it was totally worth it. Theatre is small and cosy and great view from upper circle. Would highly recommend seeing this.
Richard H.
Nov 29, 2018
If Stephen Sondheim wrote an Opera it would be something like this. Very clever writing. Powerful performances from all the cast and wonderful sensitive playing from the band. It must have been a real headache getting it all together but the MD worked his magic. Thought the second half was too long and should have finished after Sharon D Clarkes big number near the end but hey, what do i know. Some poignant messages from the script from a bygone era which none of us should forget. Worth a watch. It's a little different and it makes you think.
Len
Nov 29, 2018
Enjoyed the show from start to finish.
Eleanor
Nov 28, 2018
I came into watching Caroline, or change not knowing what to expect. To my delight I loved every second...especially Lot's Wife (my favourite song)
Aneta
Nov 25, 2018
It was very enjoyable.
Joane
Nov 22, 2018
Only second preview day for us and the start was delayed due to a technical hitch. Well worth the wait though. Sharon D Clarke is superb as the maid and the rest of the cast acted and sang their socks off. It’s definitely not a ‘feel good’ show, more a ‘make you think’ one. Go and see it for yourself, it’s amazing.
Clm
Nov 21, 2018
Really enjoyed this play. Very thought provoking and enjoyable.