The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off.... a musical staged and performed by Southport Spotlights Musical Theatre Society at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street Southport on Saturday 4th July 2026

Turning a celebrated TV baking competition into a musical might seem unexpected, but Jake Brunger (Book and Lyrics) and Pippa Cleary (Music & Lyrics) have done exactly that. This warm tribute to the much-loved series ... follows amateur ‘bakers’ competing to be crowned ‘The Great British Bake Off Champion’. They’re judged weekly on their ability to produce the best bakery goods, taking part in heats such as ‘Signature Dish,’ ‘The Technical’ and the ‘Showstopper Challenge. That’s the basic plot for both the TV series and the musical — but the musical provides us with a backstage pass, letting us witness all the drama and chaos once the cameras stop rolling. So, with eager anticipation, we all sat back and waited… BAKE!

The Creatives...  chosen to ‘mix the ingredients’ for this ‘baking extravaganza’, were … Stephen Hughes-Alty (Director); Adam Dutch (Music Direction) and Pippa Morris (Choreography). They’d gathered a ‘wonderful mix of ingredients’ who looked well-rehearsed and after ‘the mix’ had been stirred, kneaded and proven for some sixteen weeks, it all came together to create this joyful, detail-rich musical and if the applause, laughter, hoots and holla’s heard throughout and the standing ovation that greeted the climax was anything to go by... a ‘cake’ totally savoured by all those present! Having seen this musical now for a second time, I have two thoughts: firstly, I do believe that clever blocking, larger than life characters and a great deal of teamwork must be present, plus you must never underestimate how clever this musical is as a piece of writing, but with Stephen’s expertise and his attention to detail this was never going to happen; add Adam’s musical expertise to the mix, some great vocals, tight harmonies plus a supportive orchestra plus Pippa’s creative and imaginative choreo that was apt and appropriate for the setting... then there was little or no doubt that the ‘baking of this cake’ was in very safe hands, the results of which were amazing, no soggy bottoms... just a well baked cake, that each and all of you should be so proud of!

The Cast...  nineteen took to the stage, each creating their own larger-than-life character!
Everyone had a story to tell and personal challenges to overcome — all achieved with the help of friends made inside the tent. The production is littered with fun, humour, poignancy, emotion and characters you can’t help but love.
Our cast included ...
HOSTS: ‘Kim’ played by Sarah Dutch; ‘Jim’ played by Max Nolan
JUDGES: ‘Pam Lee’ played by Deborah Bloom and ‘Phil Hollinghurst’ played by John Coates
COMPETITIORS: Phil Power played ‘Russell’; Michael Fay played ‘Ben’; Jacqui Lewis played ‘Babs’; Kelly Bond played ‘Gemma’; Lewis Williams played ‘Dezza’; Emma Wells-Hall played ‘Francesca’; Charlotte Littler played ‘Izzy’; Darren Musa played ‘Hassan’ & Edith Bagucki played ‘Lily’
CREW: Sophie Walker; Abi Gibbons; Lu Woodfinden; Jeanette Healy; Chloe Morris & Olivia Williams
Normally, this is where I would stick the old neck out and select MY ‘show stealer’.... but this was another one of those occasions when/where the success of a show landed firmly and squarely on the shoulders of the entire cast... this was, without doubt, a total ‘team effort’ with every cast member just giving us their all! BUT again, as you all know, I’m not someone who can just sit on a fence, so if I may, I’d like to give a special shout‑out to six people who lifted every scene they appeared in:  Crew — Sophie, Abi, Chloe, Lu, Jeanette & Olivia.  OMG… I said this at the post‑show meeting with the cast: these six left nothing on that stage. Gave terrific support to all principals, creating great harmonies, wonderfully energetic dancing — what more can you ask? All the principals and supports created totally believable characters and worked beautifully together, but if my arm was twisted and I was asked to pick the character I liked most... I think I’d go for Emma Wells‑Hall’s portrayal of ‘Francesca’ — her scene in Act 2 with Hassan was emotional, heartfelt and spine‑tingling. In a completely different and slightly worrying way, I was also taken by Phil Power’s ‘Russell’ ... when he came out of that toilet… OMG, I almost cried laughing! Favourite song ... ‘The Perfect Petit Fours’ — sung by Gemma (Kelly) and Ben (Mike), backed by the amazing Crew... it was perfection! Finally, a huge shout‑out to Edith Bagucki (Lily), aged twelve, making her stage debut. Edith created this wonderfully adorable character, she showed no nerves, whilst working ever so well with Mike and Kelly. Be incredibly proud!
PS: YOU ALL DID AMAZING JOBS — be very proud of what you ALL helped achieve.

Tech/Staging...  loved the set and the staging for this production (Set hired from Scenic Projects Ltd). The main set, with its illuminated ‘apex roof design’, the multi coloured moveable workstations, shelves full of ingredients and strategically located entrance points provided the ideal platform for smooth storytelling! Infinity Technical Services were the ‘techies’ responsible for ensuring everything went right on the night which it did! This doesn’t happen very often, but I made little or no mention in my notes about the sound or lights, which can only mean one thing... both must have worked well throughout. Sound was in the capable hands Dave Murray with Tom Schofield keeping an eye on the lighting, well done guys! Great show enhanced by great staging and tech!
 
The Orchestra... led impressively by Adam Dutch (Musical Director) and as the programme suggests... they were ‘cooking on gas’ providing terrific support for all the singers never overpowering always supporting and enhancing. The ‘Sous Chefs’ included ...  Corey Gerrard (Keys1); David Wall (Keys 2); Mel Waddington (Woodwind); Mike Ciaputa (Guitar); Sophie Smith (Bass) and Paul Dutch (Drums)... well done ‘sous chefs’ ... terrific sound!

Wardrobe...  costumes under the watchful eyes of Karen Fairclough, Tanya Steel and the cast. were apt and era-appropriate and helped enhance the production!

Props... the ‘props’ throughout were excellent! Loved the scene with the ‘dough’ where we ‘Slap It Like That’.... hysterically funny, comedic timing was great and a huge audience favourite!

Well done ‘Spotlights’... another great show and another terrific cast. Apologise for missing the VIP night as most will know, slight problem with a ‘broken toe’, but thanks to Cheryl and the team for rearranging so I could attend a couple of days later. Thanks for your welcome, hospitality and support... and thank you so much for allowing me to meet and speak with the cast post show.... already looking forward to “Dear Evan Hansen” next February.

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”
Jim Briscoe,
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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