The Joseph Rowntree Theatre – until Saturday 8th October 2025
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a cosy intimate community theatre in York and comes with free adjacent parking. Its current show is York Stage’s production of The Great British Bake Off Musical. Inspired by the well-loved television show, with book and lyrics by Jake Brunger and music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary.
The story is what you would expect, but a condensed version. It follows eight bakers, complete with back stories, two presenters and two judges for an entire season of Bake Off in just two hours. It’s packed with music, puns, show-stoppers, soggy bottoms and not forgetting the all-important handshake or two.
The opening scene is imaginative and surprising, offering a playful take on the origins of baking and cake making. It sets a strong tone for the show.
Presenting the Bake Off are Jim (Sam Roberts) and Kim (Mary Clare, who is an actual professional baker in York). They deliver delightful interactions, with frequent nods to “Mel and Sue”. Their comedic chemistry is evident as they playfully engage with one another, the contestants, judges and the audience.
Nik Briggs, producer/director at York Stage, is also front of stage in the role of Ben. He’s a widowed detective following his late wife’s recipes for his daughter, Lily (played by Abigail Hodgson in a shared role with Ella Laister, Eady Mensah and Megan Pickard), while coping with his loss. As the weeks fly by we see him undergo a personal journey, learning to live and love again. It was lovely to see him perform on stage again.
The other contestants are Izzy (Amy Barrett), a spoilt rich kid who will do anything to win; Francesca (Alana Blacker), a passionate Italian baker who now lives in Bognor; Hassan (Fredo), a student from Syria who just goes with the flow, as long as he wears his lucky t-shirt. The delicious Russell (Stu Hutchinson), a crowd favourite and I can just see him as a pantomime dame; Dezza (Grant McIntyre) a vegan hipster baker; Babs (Joanne Theaker, a York Stage stalwart), thrice married and just maybe on the lookout for number four; and Gemma (Harriet Yorke), a back-up contestant, a shy carer who looked after her recently deceased mother, who gains confidence and friends through the contest. Completing the cast are judges Pam Lee (Tracey Rea) and Chris Wilson (Phil Hollinghurst), who lovingly parody real-life judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
The set features work stations with baby pink food mixers, mixing bowls, wooden spoons, and baked treats, recreating the Bake Off tent atmosphere perfectly. There are aprons aplenty, colourful clothing and accessories, mostly curtesy of Pam Lee.
The vocals were impressive from start to finish, with Barrett, McIntyre, and Yorke leaving a particularly strong impression on me. They were accompanied by a magnificent live band, which is not revealed until the end, comprising Stephen Hackshaw, Sam Johnson, Hannah Garnett, Peter Care, Ryan Griffiths and Sam Boyes. The cast delivered amazing performances, each member showing enthusiasm and commitment. Their infectious energy lit up the stage, drawing the audience into the world of the Great British Bake Off.
Great British Bake Off Musical is witty, full of warmth and captures the heart. It is extremely funny, full of innuendos, friendship and includes a developing love story. York Stage have once again hit the mark and have put on a show that is professional in every respect, offering a vibrant, playful homage to the cherished television series. Try and get to see this show, it will leave you with a smile as sweet as a show-stopper bake.