The Great British Bake Off Musical

This was a joyful, detail-rich and musically confident staging of a surprisingly strong script. It’s easy to underestimate just how clever The Great British Bake Off Musical is as a piece of writing, but here it was treated with care and understanding. Director Jamie Milburn clearly has a real affection for the material (and, it seems, cakes themselves), and that love translated into a production that leaned into fun, character and storytelling without losing shape or control.

The show relies heavily on strong blocking and clear character work, and this was largely achieved. The ensemble numbers were particularly impressive, with harmonies that were tight, confident and often genuinely moving, especially in Don’t Send Me Home and the finale. There was a real sense that the company enjoyed being on stage together, and that connection came across.

Attention to detail was a standout throughout. From the wonderfully specific costuming to the props (yes, including a Smeg fridge), everything felt considered. Even small touches, like Gemma’s first slightly mismatched outfit, added texture and truth. The choreography was intricate and playful, clearly well-rehearsed, and packed with clever syncopation that brought energy to the stage.

If there was one small note, it would be that the opening number didn’t quite land with the punch it needed. It was good, certainly, but just lacked that initial spark to fully grab the audience from the first beat. A touch more dynamic build or clearer focus could elevate it further. Similarly, while the band sounded excellent, having them positioned in a way that allowed more presence in the room would give certain numbers even more impact, though this is understood within the constraints of the space.

That said, the show found a lovely balance of humour, heart and theatricality. From the brilliantly silly “scone vs scone” moments to genuinely emotional songs like Grow and My Dad, it offered light and shade in all the right places. And yes, the euphemisms around strudels landed exactly as they should.

A warm, witty, and very enjoyable evening.

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