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Lyceum, Sheffield – until 11th March 2023

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

The Way Old Friends Do is a Birmingham Rep production presented by James Seabright in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery and Park Theatre. It is a new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens. The play tells the story of two old school friends Edward and Peter who when they were at school together in 1988 had come out to one another: one as being gay and the other as an ABBA fan. It is set in 2015 and brings the two friends together through a chance meeting, via a dating app. They then decide to form the world’s first drag ABBA tribute band calling themselves Head Over Heels.

The cast for this show is small but effective consisting of only six members, Edward (James Bradshaw) a flamboyant out of the closet gay man, Peter (Ian Hallard) an avid bisexual ABBA fan, Sally (Donna Berlin) who is Peter’s lesbian friend, Jodie (Rose Shalloo) a nervous overtalking actor, Christian (Andrew Horton) a photographer who drives a wedge between Edward and Peter and Mrs Campbell (Tariye Peterside) the old piano player. There are a couple of voice overs, by the famous Miriam Margoyles (Nan) and Paul O’Grady (the Radio DJ).

In this performance Mrs Campbell (Tariye Peterside ) was played by the understudy for this role, but for me she was the star of the show. Her natural hilarity had me in stitches from her one liners to her head nodding.

The stage was a simple but effective set using the word ABBA as the main feature and using a revolving stage to move between scenes.

All the way through you were given snippets of ABBA songs every time the stage revolved round to another scene. I was really hoping that this was gearing you up for a grand finale from the tribute band with a few ABBA songs at the end and was a bit disappointed when this didn’t really happen. However, having said this the play is all about the comedy element and this certainly did not disappoint. The hilarity from the audience shows that they got this spot on.

Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 11^th March 2023 

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge 

4.5**** 

Based on the 1999 blockbuster movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, Wimbledon brings you the very well-known story of ‘The Bodyguard’ transformed into a fabulous musical featuring many of her loved hits. What a introduction it was, opening with high flames across the stage, exquisite lighting, spectacular outfits, golden sparkling boots and some extraordinary choreography. What a way to start. 

The story begins with Rachel Marron (Melody Thornton) a well-known performer who is in the running for a Grammy, throwing out many hits, making her a superstar but with fame comes darkness and she manages to attract a stalker (Marios Nicolaides) that is obsessed with her, sending threatening letters as well as invading her personal space. When things take a turn for worse, with letters turning up in her dressing room with no way of knowing how they got there, the decision is made to hire extra security in the form of a bodyguard, Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan) to protect her. Rachel, on the other hand is dismissive and uptight, wanting her freedom back and causes conflict and disruption whereas Frank holds his ground and isn’t afraid to tell her no. During their time together, a romance begins to unfold, he also forms a relationship with her son, Fletcher (Kaylenn Aires Fonseca, Frankie Keita, Reneo Kushi-Appauh and Iesa Miller sharing the role). On the other hand, Rachel’s sister, Nicki Marron (Emily-Mae) who is also very talented forever stands in her background, feeling that she’s always overshadowed by her sister, creating drama as the story unfolds. 

Melody Thornton plays her role with great passion accompanied by her impressive voice showing her amazing vocals and phenomenal dance moves. It was truly beautiful to watch her sing ‘Run to You’ alongside Emily-Mae, together they gave a stunning, powerful performance that was magnificent to watch and listen to.  

Ayden Callaghan managed to play his part exceptionally well as an attentive, sharp and watchful bodyguard. 

I didn’t catch the name of the actor playing Fletcher on press night, but as a young performer, showed much skill within his singing and dancing, he was astounding to watch. Pure brilliance. 

All in all, this production had a sensational atmosphere throughout, I couldn’t help but sing along with a massive smile on my face. From lighting to costumes, the whole show was dazzling and fascinating. A fantastic evening out. One not to be missed. 

HOME, Manchester – until 11th March 2023

Reviewed by Nicola Pennicott-Hall and Zoe Brown

3***

Described as “a lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives”, Too Much World At Once is the urgent and compelling story of fifteen year old Noble – a young man who spends his life trying to prove to the world that he is ordinary, only for the most extraordinary series of events to upend his life. Opening on a sparse, driftwood-like set, Katie Scott’s stage design is evocative of the beach at wintertime, and you almost expect to smell the tang of ozone as you take your seat. With undercurrents of fantasy, stark reality and a well written exploration of the perils of teenagerhood, Too Much World At Once has a lot to say.

Paddy Stafford brings an energetic vulnerability to the part of Noble, skilfully weaving surly teenage angst with some beautiful moments of pathos. Together with stand-out-star Ewan Grant as the ebullient Ellis, whose desire to stand out juxtaposes Noble’s desperate efforts to fit in, they create a double act who the audience yearns to spend more stage time with. Their blossoming, tentative friendship is a joy to watch and both stars should be commended.

Alexandra Mathie as Fiona, Noble’s Mum, and Eve Hargreaves as his sister Cleo both do well to portray a spikey, complex mother/daughter relationship told only through phone calls with a temperamental, patchy signal. Whilst given a confident start, Cleo spends much of the play in a state of unending, high anxiety, which can become trying as the piece goes on.

The play is let down by the more lyrical half scenes which pepper the show and feature overused and unnecessary word share. Whilst director Adam Quayle excels in fostering the dynamic and conflicts between the characters, when compared to the flow of the more naturalistic scenes, it unfortunately becomes slightly reminiscent of GCSE drama.

Writer Billie Collins has created a wonderful, complex world through her skilful narrative, but the play becomes confusing around the three quarters mark, when all the themes – coming-of-age, magical metamorphosis and climate change collide with a large bang. If this were a play solely about the consequences of climate change or a metaphor for a teenager’s transition to adulthood, it may provide a cleaner experience for the audience. As it is, with all themes fighting for equal stage times, it tends to become messy and chaotic with the play not seeming to know exactly what it wants to say.

Ultimately, this is a very enjoyable play featuring strong performances and an exquisite exploration of male teenage friendship by Stafford and Grant. We look forward to seeing future productions by the immensely talented cast and company behind it; it simply is a play trying to say Too Much… All At Once.

Hull New Theatre – until 11th March 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Strictly Ballroom The Musical sparkled, salsa’d and shimmied into Hull New Theatre last night and it was absolutely Fab U Lous … darling!

Based on the book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. It was co-choregraphed by Strictly Come Dancing royalty Jason Gilkison and Craig Revel Horwood (who is also the Director) it was a feast for the eyes. Having seen the 1992 film of the same name I knew what we were going to see but this production was so much more, more sequins, bigger dresses, the shortest shorts, amazing acting, dancing and singing!

The story is set at Shirley Hastings (Nikki Belsher) dance school in 1990’s Australia and follows the story of her son Scott (Kevin Clifton) and his journey to the Pan-Pacific Finals. Scott is a rebel and is wanting to do his own thing and not conform and dance the set steps that everyone else does, much to distain of the Australian Dance federation. Scott then meets Fran (played last night by Maddy Ambus) a beginner from the dance school and she agrees to dance his steps. We then get a glimpse of the trials and tribulations of the competitive dance world and all that goes with it.

This production is uplifting and all the cast were magnificent. All of the singing was a joy to listen to. Maddy Ambus was a brilliant Fran, her acting and dancing were so good but her singing was amazing and she’s defiantly one to watch! At the end of the first half Jose Agudo’s (who played Frans father Rico) Paso Doble stunned us into silence, it was a masterclass in Paso and it says in the programme that he began as a Flamenco dancer and you could tell… he was just wow! The band, conducted by Dustin Conrad, were outstanding, from the upbeat melodies to the guitar solos.

And what can I say about Kevin Clifton, who played Scott Hastings. He was a joy to watch and he was made to play this part. He was off the scale brilliant. I’ve seen actors who can sing and dance so well but Kevin is such an amazing dancer whos’ acting and singing skills are amazing. I knew he could dance after watching him (and voting for him!) many times on Strictly but who knew he could sing and act as well…defiantly a triple threat!

If you want a really good night out, go and see this show … if I could have given it 10 stars I would have!

HELP IS ON THE WAY, DEAR!

NEW COMEDY MUSICAL

MRS. DOUBTFIRE

TO PERFORM ON BBC’S COMIC RELIEF ON 17 MARCH 2023

AS FULL CASTING IS ANNOUNCED FOR THE LONDON PRODUCTION

SHAFTESBURY THEATRE, LONDON FROM 12 MAY 2023

www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk

Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson are thrilled to announce that new comedy musical Mrs. Doubtfire, based on the iconic movie, will preview on television for the first time in the U.K. on 17 March 2023 with an exclusive performance on BBC’s Comic Relief.

Full casting is also confirmed today for the highly anticipated London production which will begin performances at the newly refurbished Shaftesbury Theatre from Friday 12 May 2023.

As previously announced, Mrs. Doubtfire will introduce Gabriel Vick (Avenue Q) as Daniel Hillard.

Gabriel will be joined by Laura Tebbutt (School of Rock) as Miranda Hillard, Carla Dixon-Hernandez (Matilda the Musical) as Lydia Hillard, Cameron Blakely (Newsies) as Frank Hillard, Marcus Collins (Kinky Boots) as Andre, Samuel Edwards (Anything Goes) as Stuart Dunmire, Ian Talbot OBE (Hairspray, and Director of The Mousetrap) as Mr. Jolly and Kelly Agbowu (Sylvia) as Wanda Sellner.

Further cast include Nicole Carlisle, Joshua Dever, Joseph Dockree, Rebecca Donnelly, Amy Everett, Maria Garrett, Kiera Haynes, Vicki Lee Taylor, Adam Lyons, Lisa Mathieson, Corey Mitchell, Ellie Mitchell, Matt Overfield, Rhys Owen, Christopher Parkinson, Micha Richardson, Tom Scanlon, Paulo Teixeira and Samuel Wilson-Freeman.

Mrs. Doubtfire also introduces Max Bispham, Elliot Mugume and Frankie Treadaway who alternate the role of Christopher Hillard and Scarlett Davies, Angelica-Pearl Scott and Ava Posniak who alternate the role of Natalie Hillard.

A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now.

Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the ​alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.

Mrs. Doubtfire has been created by a transatlantic team of award-winning artists, with Original Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, and a Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell (team behind the hit Tony Award-nominated musical Something Rotten!). Direction is by 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), Choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical). Scenic design is by David Korins (Hamilton), Costume Design by Catherine Zuber (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by Philip S. Rosenberg (Pretty Woman The Musical), Sound Design by Brian Ronan (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Hair Design by David Brian Brown (Frozen), Casting by Stuart Burt (Cabaret) and Children’s Casting Director is Verity Naughton.

Mrs. Doubtfire is produced by Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson and is presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.

MRS DOUBTFIRE – LISTINGS INFORMATION

SHAFTESBURY THEATRE
210 Shaftesbury Avenue
London
WC2H 8DP

Performances

From Friday 12 May 2023
Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm
Matinees Thursday & Saturday at 2:30pm

Tickets

www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk
Box Office: 020 7379 5399

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @DOUBTFIREUK

MY SON’S A QUEER, (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)

ANNOUNCES QUEER HERO THURSDAYS WITH

GUESTS INCLUDING DOMINIC SKINNER

Following last week’s Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy, the critically acclaimed production of My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?) announces their upcoming series of events, Queer Hero Thursdays. Star of the show Rob Madge will welcome icons from the LGBTQ+ community after Thursday matinee performances for an audience Q&A about their experiences growing up and finding positivity in the world around them.

The new series of events starts this Thursday 9 March with West End star Cherrelle Skeete, best known for originating the role of Rose Granger-Weasley in the world première of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The post-show Q&A is included in the ticket price of each Thursday matinee performance at 2:30pm.

Next week’s Queer Hero will be makeup artist and television personality Dominic Skinner, best known as judge on the BBC hit show Glow Up, who will be a guest after the matinee on Thursday 16 March.

Celebrating the joy and chaos of raising a queer child, My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?), the award-winning solo show is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre until 1 April 2023, with tickets available from £25.

Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills present

MY SON’S A QUEER, (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)

Written and performed by Rob Madge

Directed by Luke Sheppard; Songs by Pippa Cleary; Set and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight; Video design by George Reeve; Lighting design by Jai Morjaria; Sound design by Tingying Dong; Orchestrations by Simon Nathan

Now extended until 1 April 2023 due to public demand

Thursday 9 March Queer Hero special guest:

Cherrelle Skeete

Thursday 16 March Queer Hero special guest:

Dominic Skinner

Thursday 24 March: Schools’ performance – regular performance

Thursday 30 March Queer Hero special guest:

TBA

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @MySonsAQueer

#MySonsAQueer

Listings Information

MY SON’S A QUEER, (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)

Ambassadors Theatre

West Street, London WC2H 9ND

Until 1 April 2023

TICKETS

From £25

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/my-sons-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do/ambassadors-theatre/

Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm

Thursday matinees at 2:30pm

Saturday matinees at 4pm

Schools’ performance: Thursday 23 March at 2:30pm

York Grand Opera House – until Saturday 11 March 2023

4****

70 years since it first began, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is still going strong and makes a return to York Grand Opera House as it continues its tour of the UK.

In order not to give anything away, there is little I can tell you about the show. It begins with a murder in London and ends in Monkswell Manor Guest House.

The curtain opens on a breath-taking set. Wood panelled walls and doors, a massive fireplace, beautifully detailed arches, snow falling outside a large ornate window. This is Monkswell Manor Guest House, newly set up by Mollie and Giles Ralston (Joelle Dyson and Laurence Pears) the novice owners of the guest house and it is not long before their first set of guests arrive through the blizzard that surrounds the house. Christopher Wren (effervescently acted by Elliot Clay) is an eccentric young man who may have hidden depths, Major Metcalfe (Nicholas Maude stepping in for an indisposed Todd Carty) is a retired army man who might have a secret and Mrs Boyle (Gwyneth Strong) is a battleaxe who has all the best lines but who may also be more than she seems. The group is completed with enigmatic Miss Casewell (Essie Barrow) and magically mischievous Kieran Brown as Mr Paravicini, a mysterious foreigner who dispenses regular cryptic comments with a beautiful singing voice. Once these characters are efficiently established in a short space of time, the cat is set among the pigeons as Sgt Trotter (Joseph Reed) arrives with enquiries about a murder that happened earlier that day in London and the fact that at least one of the people in the house is implicated. It would not spoil anything to say that act one ends with the violent death of one of these characters and one of the greatest joys of the evening are the discussions that take place during the interval as to the identity of the murderer.

Originally titled Three Blind Mice, and written in 1952, The Mousetrap is as fresh today as when it was written. Full of Christie’s trademarks with red herrings aplenty and intelligent well rounded characters, you are drawn in from the beginning. And with your little grey cells all working overtime to wonder why someone said this, someone else said that and why that reaction?  The fine cast of actors have made the classic characters their own on this tour and the dedication to their craft shows in excellent acting.

As the curtain goes down at the end we are asked not to give away the ending – one of the reasons why this iconic play has managed such longevity.  And I’m sure the very packed auditorium at York are more than happy to keep the secret of this first rate play

I would advise you go once to see a fantastic show but if I’m honest I would advise you go twice – the first time to let your mind work over time as you constantly try to work out whodunit and why, and the 2nd time to just to enjoy the pure excellence of the show.

In York until 4 May and on tour around the UK

CAUSING PAN-DEMONIUM NATIONWIDE ‘PETER PAN GOES WRONG’ ANNOUNCES UK TOUR

UK TOUR FROM 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

Mischief, the multi award-winning company responsible for the global comedy phenomenon, The Play That Goes Wrong, and the BBC One television series, The Goes Wrong Show, today announce a major UK tour of their West End hit show, Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Opening at Richmond Theatre on 23 September, the production will visit Aylesbury, Nottingham, Liverpool, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Bath, Leeds, Cardiff, Canterbury, Newcastle and Sheffield, with further dates coming soon. Tickets go on sale today (at some venues). Touring cast to be announced.

Co-penned by Mischief’s celebrated writing trio, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Drama Society’ back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s much- loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland? 

Simultaneous to this UK tour announcement, the original Mischief team are now in final technical rehearsals for the opening of Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where previews commence on 17 March. The production will play in New York for a strictly limited 16 and a half week run. This is Mischief’s second show to open on the Great White Way following The Play That Goes Wrong which enjoyed a 20-month run at the Lyceum Theatre and transferred to the New World Stages Theatre where it is still running off-Broadway.

Nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Comedy’ in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End seasons, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and two UK tours. BBC One broadcast a one-hour version of the show on primetime television in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator, watched by an audience of over six million worldwide.

Jonathan Sayer, Creative Director of Mischief says: “I’m absolutely delighted that Peter Pan Goes Wrong will be returning to bring joy across the country. It’s such a special show for us and includes some of our most ambitious comic sequences to date.”

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set designs by Simon Scullion, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Ella Wahlström. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.

Mischief’s other stage successes include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End, Broadway and on tour across the UK and internationally with productions staged on every continent – with the exception of Antarctica), Mind Mangler – Member of the Tragic Circle, Magic Goes Wrong, Groan Ups, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery and Mischief Movie Night. Their ‘Royal Television Society’ award-winning BBC One series The Goes Wrong Show aired in December 2019 with a Christmas special, with further episodes in early 2020, and a hit Nativity special last Christmas. The second series aired in September 2021 on BBC One and iPlayer.

THE ACCLAIMED NEW MUSICAL

THE DRIFTERS GIRL

EXTENDS UK AND IRELAND TOUR DATES INTO 2024

FOLLOWING OVERWHELMING PUBLIC DEMAND

Hit songs include Stand By Me, Saturday Night at the Movies,

Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me

and Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies

www.thedriftersgirl.com

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce extended dates for the first-ever UK and Ireland tour of The Drifters Girl, the acclaimed new musical which tells the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest vocal groups and the woman who made them.

Having played to packed houses and nightly standing ovations at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End (following a triumphant run at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal), the production recently announced a UK Tour to open in 2023, with performances beginning at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, on Tuesday 12^th September 2023.

Now, following huge public demand, the tour reveals extended dates through 2024, visiting: Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol; Regent Theatre, Stoke; Venue Cymru, Llandudno; Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin; Grand Opera House, Belfast; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Empire Theatre, Liverpool; New Theatre, Oxford; New Theatre, Hull; Grand Theatre, Leeds; Empire Theatre, Sunderland; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham; Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh; Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff. Please see ‘Notes To Editors’ for a full list of dates.

Telling the remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world’s greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them. Faye Treadwell is the legendary manager of The Drifters who fought for three decades alongside her husband (George Treadwell) to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

From the highs of hit records and sell-out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world’s first African American female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

The Drifters Girl boasts an incredible soundtrack of some of the most famous songs in history, including Save The Last Dance For Me,Under The Boardwalk, Kissin In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place, Saturday Night At The Movies and many more.

The Drifters Girl, with abook by Ed Curtis, is based on an idea by Tina Treadwell and is co-created by Beverley Knight, Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. It is directed by Jonathan Church. Set design is by Anthony Ward, choreography by Karen Bruce, costume design by Fay Fullerton, orchestrations by Chris Egan, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and video design by Andrzej Goulding.

The touring production’s cast is to be announced.

For further information, please see www.thedriftersgirl.com

Social Media

FACEBOOK @thedriftersgirl

TWITTER @thedriftersgirl

INSTAGRAM @thedriftersgirlmusical

Noel Coward Theatre – until 13 May 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Last week, the TV producers announced that GBBO will be going back to basics for the next series, and this musical reminds us just what magical moments those basics can create. This light and fluffy musical treat is so sweet and satisfying, you’ll want extra helpings.

Jake Brunger (book and lyrics) and Pippa Cleary (music and lyrics) have taken everything that makes GBBO appealing – eclectic characters, camaraderie, ridiculous challenges and tearful farewells – sprinkled with theatrical magic and baked a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.

Some favourite contestant types are all here competing for the big prize – the geek (Michael Cahill), the fiery Italian (Cat Sandison), the upper class student (Grace Mouat), the vegan hipster from London (Jay Saighal), the retired dinner lady (Claire Moore) and the student cooking with flair and instinct (Aharon Rayner) – with widowed police officer Ben (Damian Humbley) and stand-by contestant Gemma (Charlotte Wakefield) providing the romantic subplot. The contestants are hilarious, with each actor making the most of the quirks and baggage the characters bring to the tent. Ben’s daughter (played by Aanya Shah in the performance I saw) comes with him to the tent each week and their relationship is explored in some delightful songs, but this, and the romantic plot doesn’t detract from the competition in the tent, instead adding further layers.

Alice Power’s set is a twee recreation of “The” tent, with moveable workstations playing an integral part of Georgina Lamb’s charming choreography. There are multiple call-backs to iconic events from the TV series – obviously Bingate is referenced! – and these raise laughs from both fans of the series and newcomers to the GBBOverse. There are injuries, sabotage and of course the tension of eliminations – with big hugs all round, and the quest for a Hollinghurst handshake even has its own musical number. The musical numbers are all memorable – some rib-ticklingly funny and others tugging at your heart strings. The writers and director Rachel Kavanaugh clearly understand the material and the fanbase, cramming a series-worth of emotional highs and lows into two acts with ease.

The increasingly ridiculous TV introductions are lampooned brilliantly with Scott Paige and Zoe Birkett having a ball as hosts Jim and Kim. Paige’s one-liners and facial expressions are worth the ticket price alone. Judges Pam Lee (Haydn Gwynne) and Phil Hollinghurst (John Owen-Jones) are wonderfully affectionate and OTT versions of Prue and Paul, and Gwynne opens act two with a barnstorming performance celebrating aging disgracefully. Owen-Jones prowls around the tent with steely glee and provides an unforgettable NSFW lesson on dough in the number Slap It Like That.

Wonderfully light-hearted feel-good fun for all the family – the Great British Bake Off Musical is a must see show.