The Great British Bake Off Musical

What perfect timing for Salt & Pepper Productions production of ‘The Great British Bake Off Musical’ (directed by Helen Mayne) to coincide with the final of the most recent series of the beloved television show! Upon entering the auditorium, the audience were met with a fantastic set that instantly transported them to the Bake Off tent, with three LED structures representing the frame of the tent, eight work benches, and a great backdrop of shelves with a set of doors centrally. The pastel colours used in the set were instantly recognisable to the familiar television show. There was great attention to detail in the vast variety of props, from the cooking equipment and bakes to Phil’s motorbike, which got the desired reaction from the audience.  A huge shout out here to Lyndsey Downes (stage manager) for ensuring that all props were in the correct position for the performers. The direction from Helen was secure throughout, with a great variety of entrances and exits used to ensure that the pace of the production was good. There were great comedic moments throughout, which were nicely balanced with the more poignant moments. This was very much an ensemble production, and it was pleasing to see that Helen’s focus was on the ensemble playing, which was strong throughout. The costumes were very good throughout. From the array of food related shirts for Jim to the colourful attire of Pam (with matching glasses). The contestant’s costumes were clearly defined and recognisable.

Michael J Scott was the musical director for this production. There were a range of musical styles throughout this production, including the infamous Bake Off theme, which were played well by Michael and the band. The vocals from the cast were particularly strong, especially when singing together and nailing the intricate harmonies.

Joanna Milborne-Chatt was the choreographer for this production. The choreography throughout was very good, with lots of different styles on show. From the tap number, which was delivered with panache, to the lovely foxtrot inspired routine, which was full of love. The choreographed movements of the bakers with the different baking utensils was stylised and in perfect synchronisation.

The sound balance between the cast and the band was generally good. There were some moments where the sound of the band did overwhelm the cast. There were a few moments where there was a delay with the mics coming on, especially in solo lines in the ensemble numbers. The lighting design was good throughout, with a good use of colours used. The LED lights used to represent the tent frame were used well, adding greatly to the production.

The judges, Pam and Phil, were played by Debbie Allen and Joe Clarke respectively. There were times the audience had to double take, as both Debbie and Joe could easily be mistaken for their television counterparts! This was a great double act, and ‘I’d Never Be Me Without You’ was performed with old school charm by both Debbie and Joe.

The presenters, Jim and Kim, were played by Michael Corteen and Lucy Page. This was a fantastic partnership and Michael and Lucy worked extremely well together. They were very much the glue that held the production together, as they guided the audience through the ups and downs of the story. Michael showed a great sense of comedy and Lucy showed a caring side to the contestants.

Paige Grindrod played Gemma. Paige performed Gemma’s character arc very well, as she appeared as the nervous contestant at first before gaining in confidence. This was pleasing to see, and created a well-rounded character. There was a believable relationship developed with Sam’s Ben. Paige’s vocals were very good throughout, and she delivered her numbers with strength, especially ‘Rise’.

Laura Johnson played Izzy. Laura was suitably confident as Izzy and she was definitely in it to win it! Laura’s vocals were great, especially in ‘Obviously’, which she led very well. The redemption arc of Izzy was well played by Laura.

Suzie Lowe played Babs. Suzie did well as the Cockney grandmother, delivering her one-liners with aplomb. ‘Babs’ Lament’ was a great number, which was well performed by Suzie.

Laura Cain played Francesca. This was an understated performance from Laura as the Italian, Francesca. Laura’s storytelling through song was particularly strong, especially in ‘Grow’, which she performed with great emotion.

Sam Salisbury played Ben. Sam brought a sincerity to the role, and you could feel the character’s grief through his performance. There was a believable father-daughter relationship created with Daisy, and the audience were certainly rooting for the blossoming romance between Ben and Gemma, thanks, in part, to Sam’s performance.

Billy Clarke played Hassan. This was a great performance from Billy, as the Ukrainian refugee. He brought a youthful energy to the production, creating a cheeky character. There was a believable friendship created with Laura’s Francesca, and their scene was played extremely well.

Stuart Dutton played Russell. Stuart was suitably camp as Russell, and created many a comedic moment throughout the production. The reaction to cutting his thumb was suitably over-the-top, adding to the humour of the production.

Matt Austin played Dezza. Matt did well in this role, especially in the comedy moments with his character making sporadic appearances even after being eliminated.

At this performance, Daisy Foden played Lily. Daisy was a strong, young performer. Her vocals during ‘My Dad’ were very good, and she was able to get the emotion across through her performance.

The ensemble was used well throughout. Some of the ensemble appeared as Sous Chefs, with each contestant having their own. The rest of the ensemble appeared as the TV crew. The ensemble added greatly to the production, especially in the big ensemble numbers, creating a fantastic vocal.

Overall, this was a good production. There was a strong sense of ensemble playing, with a production full of heart with community right at the centre. Everything that amateur theatre should be.

A big thank you to everyone at Salt & Pepper Productions for their kind invite and hospitality.

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