The Great British Bake Off musical is finally here with all the ingredients to make a sweet, if not slightly underbaked, showstopper of a night out. Based on the nation’s favourite baking show, the musical adaptation brings all the heartwarming joy directly from our tv screens to the West End stage. It may not be for everyone, but I think it will still hit the sweet spot for many Bake-Off fans.
You don’t have to watch the TV contest to understand the show, but it will certainly give you a greater appreciation of the set design by Alice Power that perfectly recreates the bake-off tent. There may also be a few inside jokes and impersonations that go over your head too (my favourite being a nod to the infamous bin gate scandal). But the universal themes in the show of love, loss, friendship and overcoming obstacles are sure to resonate with many. And Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary have created the perfect score as we watch the bakers navigate through these challenges as we watch them learn and grow throughout the process.
What may seem like a bizarre opening number is actually a very carefully curated choice. Any Bake-Off fan will know that the TV show often starts with a strange comedy sketch. It is definitely the best way to set the tone of the musical, which is then followed quickly by the iconic theme song we all know and love. Scott Paige, as one of the hosts, deserves a massive shoutout for his impeccable comedic timing throughout. There are other whacky numbers too, including John Owen-Jones as Phil Hollinghurst (aka Paul Hollywood) singing an upbeat and oddly suggestive “Slap It Like That” as he shows the baking hopefuls the best way to work their dough.
One thing is for certain though, I wasn’t expecting to cry at the baking show… especially not twice in the first act. Francesca, an Italian immigrant who is struggling to conceive, sings the heartbreakingly sad “Grow” as she describes how baking gives her a peace of solace because the kitchen is a place where she is in control and her dough will grow in the oven. The song is one Cleary wrote about her own fertility experiences and you can tell it came from the heart. The second time I shed some tears was straight after during the song “My Dad” as young Lily reads out the letter she wrote to the show’s producers to convince them her recently widowed dad deserves a place in the contest.
With a large ensemble cast like this, it can often be difficult to bring out all of their distinct personalities and stories. Whilst they try to bring this out by giving most of the bakers their own songs, the stories end up being very predictable and the ending is concluded in a rush. I felt cheated out of some key character moments we could have had, including Syrian immigrant Hassan having his own meaningful song.
It was certainly a fun, wholesome show, but I left with a bitter taste in my mouth wishing some of the characters and storylines were more developed than they were. What left a great taste in my mouth, however, was the delicious cupcakes being sold in the merch stand. You won’t believe how excited I was to learn that my favourite cake shop in London (Crumbs and Doilies) was supplying the cupcakes for the production.
As it’s a limited run, I would definitely recommend catching the show before it closes on the 13th May. The show may lack in some areas, but there’s no denying it’s a feel-good night out at the theatre.