22 July – 6 August
Take the format of a long-running and much-loved TV reality baking show, add a cast of talented contestants, stir in some catchy, energetic tunes, accompanied by a live band, and a sprinkle of well-choreographed dances. Now add some narrative threads, a rich blend of humour and pathos, as well as a dash of gentle satire. Fold in some surprisingly realistic food props and a clever and versatile stage set. Finally, mix in a pair of engaging and witty hosts to aid the presentation, a pair of endearing, well-seasoned judges, and top with a dusting of showbiz pizzazz. This is the recipe for the Everyman Theatre’s latest musical offering….and it certainly leaves you wanting more.
“So how on Earth do you turn The Great British Bake Off into a musical?”….asked my 15 year-old daughter on the way to the theatre. In all honesty, I couldn’t really provide a response. Two and a half hilariously enjoyable hours later, I most certainly had the answer….
The premise of the musical is as simple as the show on which it is based: eight contestants are assembled to vie for the coveted title of Bake Off Winner. Along the way, as several weeks of competition are boiled down into a single evening, the competitors are brought to life through the telling of their own stories, often with poignant themes which form a touching counterpoint to the fast-paced frivolity of the rest of the show.
Jaye Jacobs and Scott Paige are superb as presenters Kim and Jim, showing real on-stage chemistry and great comic timing as they oversee one culinary challenge after another, whilst John Owen-Jones and Rosemary Ashe excel as Phil Hollinghurst and Pam Lee, who poke affectionate and very witty fun through their superb homages to real-life Bake Off judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
A couple of ingredients don’t quite fit the recipe: there are clunky set pieces to open each act, neither of which are as palatable as the rest of the show and which seem slightly misplaced. There is also the occasional shrillness in the high notes in some of the musical numbers. However, these are very small flies in an otherwise delicious cake mix. This is a highly-talented ensemble cast performing at the peak of its powers, whether singing, dancing or acting…..and often all three simultaneously. Charlotte Wakefield leads the way as Gemma, the surprise package in every sense, and in the performance I watched, special mention must also go to Ariella Elkins-Green for her prodigious star turn as Ben’s daughter, Lily.
However, each and every cast member has their chance to shine during the performance….and they certainly take it. Baking-related innuendoes abound – they are cheesier than a goats cheese soufflé – and yet they never stray into inappropriateness – this is, after all, a family show which will be enjoyed by all ages. The show also preaches a strong moral message towards the end about how best to use our different talents in life, but does so successfully without leaving a saccharine taste in the mouth.
In Great British Bake Off: The Musical, director Rachel Kavanaugh, and the entire creative team, have rustled up a comic, musical masterpiece for audiences to savour. No soggy bottoms here. Tuck in and enjoy.
★★★★★ Tony Clarke, 4th August 2022
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
