Review: The Great British Bake Off Musical at Noel Coward Theatre, London ★★★★★
Every few years, the West End is blessed with a new, witty British musical that captures the hearts of its audiences. And in 2023, The Great British Bake Off Musical, written by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, does just that. Following its predecessors like Calendar Girls and Made in Dagenham, this show packs all the right ingredients of the TV series while neatly blending a storyline in a musical the length of a Bake Off final.
In true Great British Bake Off style, the musical follows a range of eclectic, charming characters, led by hosts Kim (Zoe Birkett) and Jim (Scott Paige), who applied to be on the TV show for a variety of reasons. Cambridge student Izzy's (Grace Mouat) ulterior motive is to become a baking influencer and Beyonce's best friend — her number 'Obviously' sets a great tone for the sharp lyricism to come in the show.
Of course, once we’ve met the contestants, everyone awaits the grand entrance of the judges - Phil Hollinghurst (John Owen-Jones) and Pam Lee (Haydn Gwynne) who lovingly parody Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Their on-stage chemistry, showcased in their duet 'I'd Never Be Me Without You', is one of the highlights of the show.
Despite its ensemble, Bake Off largely follows the unfolding love story between Gemma (Charlotte Wakefield), a carer from Blackpool who joins the show as a back-up contestant, and widower Ben (Damian Humbley), whose daughter Lily applies on his behalf. This moment is scored by the particularly beautiful 'My Dad', spotlights the writers ability to unite humour and heartbreak.
It's clear Brunger and Cleary have a great appreciation for musical theatre with each song seemingly pastiching a variety of musicals from classic to vaudeville to modern — notably composers like Kander and Ebb and Lin-Manuel Miranda. And no musical is ever complete without a good lament, and in Bake Off this came in the form of showstopping Bab's Lament, taken on by the fiery Claire Moore to rapturous applause.
While it felt the audience took a little time to warm up to Bake Off - perhaps, through its broader appeal, brought in those who don't usually opt for a musical - by the time each character and their eccentricities was established, the Noel Coward Theatre had a charming and wholesome atmosphere.
Bake Off has the power to stay fresh with topical tidbits (noting the current tomato shortage) and social media trends while managing to not feel like dad dancing. And if there was any doubt the quintessential Britishisms tightly knit to the fabric of this show would not translate, the Americans I had the pleasure of sitting next to were laughing louder than anyone!
The Great British Bake Off Musical is cooking up a storm in the West End until 13 May, with tickets direct from the box office here. It is now available on TodayTix's Rush.
*Tickets for this show were kindly gifted, photography by Manuel Harlan.
