Follow the story of Caroline in this musical in London’s West End. Relive a story of hard work, friendship and personal achievements set in the thirties, in North America: when rights were yet to be conquered.
The musical first opened as an Off-Broadway production in 2003. Its success soon led to the show transferring to Broadway and to new productions in London and in other cities in the US and Canada, among others. It won the Olivier award for Best Musical. You can now see it at the Hampstead Theatre in London's West End. A musical full of blues, gospel and Jewish religious songs.
Running time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Interval: yes
Age Recommendations: Suitable for all ages
Caroline, or Charge Tickets
The show costs between £10 and £112, approximately, with prices split between the different areas of the theatre. You can buy them in advance online, to make sure you secure the best seats in the house.
Stalls: The stalls are on the same floor as the lobby. The closest area to the stage. Prices range between £35 and £112.
Dress Circle: A great option to enjoy the show in comfort. Prices range between £54 and £85.
Upper Circle: Prices range between £10 and £54, approximately. This is the most affordable area. The first rows and the side seats may have reduced visibility due to the handrail.
Plot
Caroline, or Change, tells a harsh and yet tender story of friendship, inequality, injustice and love. Set in Louisiana in the thirties, we meet the Gellmans family, assisted by the services of their African-American maid, Caroline. A strong, feisty woman, she is a single mother who desperately needs more money to support her family of four.
In parallel to her rather unfruitful attempts to obtain a rise from Mrs. Gellman, a strong friendship begins to develop between the maid and the son of the family, Noah. The mother-in-law gives her permission to take the money that the boy “forgets” in his pants, as a way of teaching him a lesson, not knowing that the young boy is deliberately leaving money in them to help Caroline.
All this takes place against an historical background that augurs important social changes that promise more freedom and more rights.
Playhouse Theatre
Where is the Playhouse Theatre? The address is Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5DE. The theatre is very close to Embankment tube station, and it’s easily reachable by public transport.
How can I get to the venue? You can get there by many different ways. Public transport is highly recommended:
By Tube: The closest stations are Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).
By Train: Charing Cross is the closest train station, and it's really, really close to the theatre.
By Bus: Routes 6, 9, 13, 15, 23, 139 and 176.
By Car: the closest car park is Q Park right next to Charing Cross station, in Spring Gardens (SW1A 2TS). If you have tickets for the theatre, you’ll be able to enjoy a 50% discount on your parking fee.
Useful Information
Running time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Age Recommendations: Suitable for all ages
Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible; a ramp is available for wheelchairs at the main entrance. The stalls are on the same floor as the lobby, and there are no stairs. However, upper floors are only connected by staircases. Adapted bathrooms are on the Royal Circle, next to the box office. Guide dogs are welcome in the theatre. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to ask the theatre staff. (Accessible seats: Stalls G1, Stalls G24, Stalls J1, Stalls J25 )
CHEAP TICKETS & OFFERS
Which are the cheapest seats? If you want to go and see the Caroline, or Change musical, you can get tickets from just £10. Lots of Upper Circle seats cost only £10! However, this is just for days with special offers.
How can I get the cheapest tickets? They are usually available for upcoming performances, regardless of the day of the week. Plan your visit in advance and you will be able to snap up the best seats.
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE 2019
It’s been 15 years since the musical first opened, and today it’s still a roaring success all around the world. During 2019, the show is scheduled to perform in London from Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm and there are two matinees, on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm.
The cast is led by Sharon D. Clarke in the role of Caroline, backed by an exceptional group of actors: Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Me’sha Bryan, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Sue Kelvin, Alastair Brookshaw, Angela Caesar, Dujonna Gift-Simms, Teddy Kempner, Vincent Pirillo, Ako Mitchell, Abiona Omonua, Tanisha Spring
If you go to see this musical, you will enjoy its all-time classic soundtrack, with songs like 16 Feet Beneath the Sea, No One Waitin', Dotty and Caroline, Salty Teardrops, 'Night Mamma or Santa Comin' Caroline. Lyrics by Tony Kushner and music by Jeanine Tesori.
