Review: THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL, Noel Coward Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
No one could have anticipated how iconic gingham and a tent would become, how they’d steal the heart of a nation. Yet here we are, thirteen years later and The Great British Bake Off has them woven into the fabric of the nation’s heart. The drama and high stakes environment of the popular reality TV show, which sees the top amateur bakers of Britain compete to be crowned the best, would surely lend itself to be adapted for the stage but with so many moving parts, can it really be done successfully? Well bakers, we’re here to tell you… they’ve only scone and done it!
Under Rachel Kavanaugh’s fluid and measured direction, British duo Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary’s gorgeous score permeates every particle of the Noel Coward Theatre. A joyful mix of contemporary musical theatre and loving pastiches to shows of yesteryear. Rap in musical theatre has always been a point of contention, but the small moments they allow it to burst through the score, it is grounded and welcome. In isolated moments, some of the lyrical baking metaphors come across a little twee, however, they largely emphasise the trial and error we strive for in our own recipes for success. The music soars on this company of actors, expertly cast by Jim Arnold, whose acting chops and vocal talent are the real showstopper of this show.
Brunger and Cleary’s book is jam-packed full of ‘Bake Off’ nostalgia, showcasing iconic moments of the show whilst also providing a glimpse into the process of recording the show itself and the affect that can have on the contestants. What’s also to be commended is the ability to elevate on the source material by allowing us to have the time to really explore the stories of the bakers and the personal salvation this show becomes for them. This allows Kavanaugh, Brunger, Cleary and choreographer Georgina Lamb, to navigate the chaos and hilarity of the pressure of the ‘Bake Off’ tent, but also to provide levity and moments of breath to explore the confusions and insecurities of the contestants.
The cast assembled display the composites of the characters we all know and love. Each on a journey of their own and in the tent for a different reason. Scott Paige and Zoe Birkett as presenters Jim and Kim provide humour throughout with a splash of vocal flare. Industry titans John Owen-Jones and Hayden Gwynne as Phil Hollinghurst and Pam Lee breathe life into loving parodies of popular ‘Bake Off’ judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, with many a moment of hilarious resemblance. It may seem out of character for a show that’s rooted in inter-contestant support to have an anti-hero character, but as every show needs one; Grace Mouat plays privileged and self-centred Izzy with great aplomb. A sure-fire departure from many of the roles we’ve seen Mouat take on in her career so far, showing her versatility as an actor as well as her signature fire vocals. The star bakers of the show are in the core of the ‘will they won’t they’ characters of Gemma and Ben, played gorgeously by Charlotte Wakefield and Damian Humbley. They provide the very heart of the show connecting through their mutual coping mechanism of baking to fill the hole of the losses they’ve both felt. The chemistry between the both of them is developed beautifully and the rarest of things, like a souffle being taken out of the oven at the right time. The cast of bakers are sublime, industry legend Claire Moore’s Babs makes a sensational antagonist for Phil Hollinghurst, and a special mention must go to Maisy Mein playing Ben’s daughter Lily to genius deadpan effect.
Cake is joy. At least that’s what the show’s finale tells us and to be honest, it couldn’t be more accurate, or reflective of the show in which that number sits. The Great British Bake Off Musical may have a slightly underbaked second act, but there’s not a soggy bottom in sight, but possibly a soggy eye or two at times. The show is silly, the show has heart, the show is not trying to change the landscape or force some deep introspection, it’s exactly what it’s meant to be, beautiful escapist joy, and that’s exactly what we need right now. So, Besties, we cannoli tell you this: in that gorgeous tent designed by Alice Power, it’s pretty easy to say that The Great British Bake Off Musical has definitely risen.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Duncan Burt
The Great British Bake Off Musical is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre in London until 13 May, with tickets available here.
