While other shows fall by the wayside in these tough times, along comes another jukebox musical to please crowds with its nostalgic hit songs.

When it comes to hits few shine as bright as Neil Diamond, who has sold well over 120 million records over a long career. Even those who aren’t fans would almost certainly recognise several of his songs, and chances are they will be humming a few more after seeing Will Swenson nail them in this thoughtful but ultimately feel-good musical.

He originated the title role when A Beautiful Noise premiered in Boston in 2022, before continuing onto Broadway and now Australia where this show directed by Michael Mayer makes its first stop outside North America.

Will Swenson and ensemble in A Beautiful Noise. Photo © Jeff Busby

A Beautiful Noise is framed by morose modern day Neil Diamond in therapy. It’s a surprisingly bleak device for a biographical musical (especially one authorised by the artist), and it sometimes intrusively hampers the show’s momentum.

However, with the patient encouraged to reveal himself through his bounty of lyrics, a life effectively...