The Great British Bake Off – The Musical proves a totally charming night time out within the West End on the Noël Coward Theatre
“Don’t let the gingham fool you
It’s a battle on a plate”
You may not instantly assume {that a} successful musical could possibly be original out of the televisual stalwart that’s The Great British Bake Off however the proficient writing staff of Jake Brunger & Pippa Cleary (The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾) clearly knew higher. First seen in Cheltenham final summer season, The Great British Bake Off – The Musical arrives within the West End considerably recast however in undoubtedly nice kind, a candy deal with for all to get pleasure from.
Brunger’s e book borrows closely from the ethos of the present to conjure up an inclusive heat that’s simply irresistible, even to those that may need beforehand resisted the gingham altar. There’s witty nods to iconic crises corresponding to ice cream-gate and bin-gate, unforgivable digs at Mel and Sue and a recognition of how ridiculous the technical challenges have gotten. But there’s additionally acknowledgement of the succour that baking can deliver to distressed souls and the enjoyment, too, that magic ingredient that has made the TV present the enduring success it’s (critically, Nadiya and Mary on the last is simply perfection).
So we comply with a gaggle of contestants as they work their means by means of the competitors, Cleary’s rating utilizing the format to attract from a variety of musical influences with talent. Throw in two attention-seeking hosts after which two scene-stealing judges and there’s a heavenly concoction of revue-like selection which is usually humorous, generally filthy and all the time tuneful. Georgina Lamb’s choreography is sprinkled calmly throughout some numbers so as to add slightly pizazz the place vital.
But the reality is Rachel Kavanaugh’s manufacturing hardly ever wants it. Alice Power’s design completely evokes the well-known tent while additionally providing some wonderful muffins and a fast journey to Blackpool Tower. Mark Collins’ musical supervision retains issues sounding super-bright. And the corporate seem like having a ball. Haydn Gwynne is perfection as Prue, sorry, I imply Pam, and it’s marvellous to see John Owen-Jones having such enjoyable because the leathers-clad Phil.
Scott Paige and Zoe Birkett are a riot because the judges with their infinite skits. Claire Moore and Michael Cahill completely encapsulate the actual vein of older contestant the present usually attracts. Cat Sandison and Aharon Rayner deliver well-pitched back-storied depth in addition to leisure. Grace Mouat nails show-stopping vocals, Jay Saighal the recurring laughs, and Damian Humbley and the stunningly voiced Charlotte Wakefield supply a light-weight trace of romance so as to add a scarcely wanted little bit of narrative thrust. But even to the tip, the present has its cake and eats it, leaving us wanting extra. Delicious!