The Great British Bake Off

Llangollen Operatic Society are always willing to take on a challenge which they overcome. 

This is a new musical and the team were quick to take up the gauntlet. I really think they are setting the standard for other companies to have a go. We are all aware of the TV programme I am sure, the task of finding a winner through several completed tasks in a given time. The contestants have their own workstation, judges and presenters. They also have a camera crew to record all the heats. 

Try replicating this on this small stage as well as singing and dancing. They did it – no surprise there. The talented Production Team, directors, producers, with music, props “aprons” and the cast did an excellent job. The ‘crew’ managed to dodge through the scenery in character with their headphones and overhead mics. The set was complete with wheeled workstations per contestant, matching sets of utensils per station, displays of ingredients, all of which were used appropriately.

At the end of each task we saw their varied results, unfortunately not edible, just making our mouths water. Well done props team. The music was live which is always great to hear. The songs were quite taxing, but under the baton of Elen Roberts and the talented cast it was a pleasure to hear. Music is also supporting the choreography. Some lovely moves around the “kitchen”. There were many styles of dancing, even including a tap dance, percussive strudel making, very clever.

The singing was lovely, especially the close harmony of the Bakers and the opening choir scene and Lily (Emmie Davies) and Ben (Ross Burgon) as daughter and Dad.

The opening scene with the choir also portrayed cooking over an outdoor fire of years past, although it is now called a barbecue! We have certainly moved on from there. The well known TV Judges did a great job. No mistaking the Prue Leith character Judge Pam Lee (Louisa Jones). Lots of brightly coloured outfits, large glasses, big personality she really appeared to enjoy her part. David Lyne (Judge Phil Hollinghurst) became the hairy biker. Well played.

The Presenters Kim (Louise Lyne) and Jim (Graham Bannister-Kelly) kept the energy up and the comedy along with the judges. I particularly liked their “bring on the scones” number. Cream teas then! Cornish ‘jam first’ and Devon ‘cream first’!

Very different backgrounds for the contestants were discussed in song. Babs (Belinda Hill) was a dinner lady so had some cooking experience but eventually lost a vote, but found a new relationship. Her number appeared as an Old Thyme musical and was super.

Francesca (Carly Casterton) introduced Italian accent as her character, welcome new member. The song Grow with fellow contestants Izzy (Rory Henderson), Hassan (Cadan Thomas) and Ben. Izzy’s character was not helpful to the others, even hiding equipment and aprons from the others. She did get voted out however but gave a good performance. Hassan, a good, shy contestant, hopefully another prospective member of the family.

Dezza (Kevin Williams) played the Vegan of the group. Trying to teach others different ingredients. He was voted off but kept reappearing, once from the trapdoor. Always plays an interesting character.

Russell (Neil Barrett) played a quiet character to make up the varied contestants. He also helped with props but didn’t win with his strudel. I hope to see him in future shows. The strudel song, using the strudel in “slap it like that” was excellent, contestants keeping time with the song to slap it on the table.

Ben was a ‘widower’ as his character. He looked after his daughter Lily who was desperate for a new mother. Lily sang confidently and has a lovely stage presence and clear voice. And then there was Gemma (Stephanie Williams). She played the nervous character who was “only” a stand-in for the competition. She baked the best cakes. She was helped by Ben and they ended up as a lovely couple. Her solos were quite challenging, but she was more than capable of dealing with them. Lovely, confident tuneful voice, well done.

Yet again, a successful show, no wonder you fill the seats for your shows. Very enjoyable show with talented performers and excellent supporting backstage crews. Well done all.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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