She’s not a DJ. She’s not a rock star. But in the middle of Britain’s Radio Revolution, Caroline might just steal the show!
Caroline – A New Musical is inspired by the true story of Britain’s pirate radio revolution which set the soundtrack to the sixties and gave a whole generation a new voice.
Today, on World Radio Day, as we celebrate the power of broadcasting, they confirm the iconic lineup of 1960s hits that will provide the soundtrack to power this vibrant new show.
Packed with era-defining anthems, ‘Caroline’ will feature unforgettable tracks that shaped a generation, and will include:
My Generation by The Who
Not Fade Away by The Rolling Stones
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) by The Four Tops
Shout by Lulu & The Luvvers
Keep On Running by The Spencer Davis Group
Dead End Street by The Kinks
As Tears Go By from Marianne Faithfull.
From soul-stirring ballads to full-throttle rock ’n’ roll, the show explodes with the energy, optimism and rebellion of the 1960s. Expect soaring harmonies, heartbreak, dance-floor energy and pure sixties joy.
Sweeping from chip shops to shipping lanes, from tiny transistor radios to the halls of power, Caroline is a funny, heartfelt musical about love and loyalty celebrating East Anglia’s special connection to a story that rocked the world.
A radio station for young people! Why do we need that?
Caroline dreams of something more than stacking shelves at the local greengrocers. Her days are routine, but her nights come alive, walking the pier, sharing laughs with her best friend Mary, and spinning records with Robbie, her music-mad boyfriend who’s big on charm yet short on direction.
But a music revolution is coming, and Robbie lands a shock gig with Radio Caroline – the pirate radio station blasting pop, soul and rock ’n’ roll from a ship off the Essex coast and suddenly everything changes. Caroline is swept into a tidal wave of music, mayhem and a movement that would shake up British culture forever.
Caroline – A New Musical is a feel-good blast of 60s hits, heart, and hometown pride capturing the moment Britain turned up the volume and never looked back.
Cast of actor-musicians to be announced
Where you can see Caroline – A New Musical
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 17 April – 02 May 2026
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch 06 – 16 May 2026
New Theatre Peterborough 19 – 23 May 2026
Mercury Theatre Colchester 03 – 13th June 2026
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 16 – 20 June 2026
Join the musical revolution with tickets starting from £15.
Visit Carolineanewmusical.com
Caroline is co-produced by partners of East Anglian Touring Consortium including New Wolsey Theatre, Landmark Theatres, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Hightide and Eastern Angles.
With thanks to Arts Council England and National Theatre Generator programme. It is penned by the award-winning writer Vikki Stone and Directed by Douglas Rintoul (Chief Executive/Artistic Director at the New Wolsey Theatre) and Alex Thorpe (Co-Creative Director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch).
