Caroline – A New Musical, inspired by the true story of Britain’s 1960s pirate radio movement, has revealed the iconic soundtrack that will fuel the show’s energy and emotion. Announced today to celebrate World Radio Day, the production confirms a vibrant lineup of hits that shaped a generation.
Audiences can expect a powerhouse selection of era‑defining tracks including 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 and As Tears Go By from Marianne Faithfull.
Set against the backdrop of Britain’s broadcasting revolution, the musical follows Caroline, a young woman dreaming of a life beyond stacking shelves at the local greengrocer. Her nights come alive walking the pier with best friend Mary and spinning records with Robbie, her music‑obsessed boyfriend. When Robbie lands an unexpected job at Radio Caroline, the ship‑based pirate station blasting pop across the UK, Caroline is pulled into a tidal wave of music, mischief and cultural upheaval.
The show promises soaring harmonies, heart and humour as it celebrates East Anglia’s unique connection to one of the most rebellious moments in British music history.
Written by Olivier Award‑winning theatre‑maker Vikki Stone, the production is co‑produced by the East Anglian Touring Consortium, which includes New Wolsey Theatre, Landmark Theatres, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Hightide and Eastern Angles, with support from Arts Council England and the National Theatre Generator programme.
Directed by Douglas Rintoul and Alex Thorpe, the world premiere opens at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on 17 April 2026 before touring to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Theatre Peterborough, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
Caroline – A New Musical is billed as a feel‑good celebration of sixties sound, spirit and cultural change, capturing the moment Britain turned up the volume and never looked back.
More information can be found here.
