If the dramatic potential of proving shortcrust raised eyebrows when the BBC debuted ‘The Great British Bake Off’ back in 2010, the show’s musical adaptation has prompted outright bewilderment.
How does one soundtrack capture the most talked about British TV competition? It’s a technical challenge, but writers Jake Brunger and Pippa Clearly have cooked up a witty and energetic production that perfectly captures the kitsch and camaraderie of the nation’s favourite appetite-stimulating TV.
The show has been cast cleverly with some talented musical theatre stalwarts. Guided by presenters Kim and Jim (Zoe Birkett and Scott Paige), the audience enjoys behind-the-scenes access to a new series of the show – housed within Alice Power’s picture-perfect mimic of the infamous bunting-adorned tent. In custom bake-off style, the eight contestants include all the usual suspects; the graduate, the hipster, the affable nan, the geometry geek… Only the simmering romance represents a departure from the typical format – or not – subject to viewers’ faith in the Daily Mail.
It’s judges Pam Lee (Haydn Gwynne) and Phil Hollinghurst (John Owen-Jones), however, that make the undeniable showstoppers, providing a delicious send-up of Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Phil is a conceited biker whose gravitas feels ill-suited to the cutesy environment while cartwheeling Prue bristles at his perceived social climbing with Claudia Winkleman. There’s a great use of physicality as the pair don giant scone costumes and step into the ring to settle the ‘sconn’/ ‘scoan’ pronunciation debate for good, while the audience barely knows where to look as Phil impassioned-ly flings about a roll of strudel dough in innuendo-laden ‘Slap it Like That’.
Of course, any good satire would be remiss without a tribute to the show’s better-known controversies – and fans will enjoy nods to ice-cream swapping, #bingate and collapsing cakes. There are titters at a reference to the original cast (“who are Mel and Sue?”), while technical challenges verge on the obscure – (“bake a focaccia of your face!”). The brilliant score seamlessly weaves from rap to variety show anthem, while the lauded ‘Hollinghurst’ handshake prompts rhapsodic outbursts in the style of a 90s boyband. There’s great fun had in the percussive effects of spoons, mixers and cookie cutters, which never miss a beat in impeccably choreographed choruses.
Less seamless are attempts at seriousness, which can feel shoe-horned amidst the general frivolity and farce. Musings on British identity by Syrian immigrant Hassan (Aharon Rayner) are given too little time to be done thoughtfully, similar to the turmoil of Francesca’s fertility journey through a ‘bun in the oven’ metaphor.
Sweet tooth or not, ‘Bake off the Musical’ is a jubilant, light-hearted romp guaranteed to bring a smile even to the cynics. Much like the original series, it’s eccentric and heavy on the ‘soggy-bottom’ gags but would be worth a visit for the Hollywood doppelgänger alone. Like any star bake, it’s a production that’s fresh, fun, and best enjoyed with a side of ice cream.
The Great British Bake Off Musical is now open at the Noël Coward Theatre and is booking until 13 May 2023.
For tickets, visit: bakeoffthemusical.com
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All imagery courtesy of The Great British Bake Off Musical.