The Great British Bake Off the Musical is a smash-hit musical full of baking, joy and friendship. Waveney Light Opera Group are preparing to put their own twist on this recipe, opening Tuesday 13th October at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre. Learn more about what you can expect:
Creatives:
1: What inspired you to develop The Great British Bake Off the Musical?
Jean Cator SD and Choreo – it’s a feel good musical, with great songs.
Alex Rimell MD From a Musical Director’s point of view, what really drew me to The Great British Bake Off Musical was how much heart there is in the score. On the surface, it’s a show about baking, competition and chaos in the tent, but musically there’s so much more going on.
2: What is your favourite musical number from the show?
Jean – The hand shake song
Alex – As an MD, I love numbers where the cast have to really listen to each other, blend, breathe together and trust the music. When those harmonies lock in, it’s genuinely quite special. So it’s hard to pick a favourite but it’s probably All The Way.
3: What has been the most enjoyable part so far about making the production?
Jean – working with the enthusiastic cast
Alex – The most enjoyable part so far has been watching the cast discover just how brilliant the music is. It’s been a joy getting stuck into the score with the cast and creative team.
This show is a real treat to work on and thankfully, so far, nothing has been underbaked.
Cast:
4: Gemma’s confidence changes throughout the show. How did you find this swift in your performance?
I’m really enjoying playing Gemma’s confidence journey because she starts off quite nervous and unsure of herself, and by the end she’s basically thinking, “Actually… I might be rather good at this!”
The fun part is making that feel like a gradual change rather than just flicking a switch. I have to resist the temptation to give her too much “oomph” at the beginning, so that as she finds her confidence, I can start letting more of her personality come through.
I love being able to show that progression and hopefully make the audience feel like they’re getting to know the real Gemma as the show goes on. And, of course, watching her realise she might actually have a bit of a star quality is rather lovely!
Taryn Taylor plays Gemma
5: How did you develop chemistry with Gemma?
I was lucky enough to meet the amazing lady who plays Gemma eight years ago, and since then we’ve moved to Suffolk together, built a beautiful home, and started raising our gorgeous Labrador, Maverick. So, if I’m honest, we’ve been working on the chemistry for quite a while now!
I hope the audience fall in love with Gemma as much as I did. She’s absolutely brilliant, and I couldn’t imagine having anyone else by my side for this.
Rob Land plasy Ben
6: Obviously is one of the greatest numbers in the show. How did you embody Izzy’s confidence?
Obviously is so much fun being one of the dream sequence songs but now I feel the pressure! Personally, I put on a confident front myself when actually I do lack confidence which people don’t realise sometimes. Izzy is just the same, she is super confident going into the competition, but she gets a reality check when she realises other bakers are better than her. It shows her vulnerable side giving her depth as she combats it by putting others down to make her look better. So, I’ve tried to put myself in her shoes (except hopefully I’m more supportive) and just enjoy having this character’s confidence to help me boost mine on stage.
Daisy Tyrrell-Kent plays Izzy
7: Hassan’s journey is heartfelt and moving. What inspired you to audition for the role?
I identified with Hassan as I know how it feels to be different and to have family overseas, who I don’t get to see much. I, like him, needed to find where I fitted and what I was good at. I also love rap and enjoy getting to know people. I love the fact that Hassan is kind and a team player, and, underneath his slightly cocky exterior, is a deep sensitive soul. I have loved playing him
Kam Collins plays Hassan
8: Babs has great comedic moments alongside Phil. What has this been like in rehearsals?
There have been lots of belly laughing moments during the first few weeks with my lovely blue-eyed baker, Phil.
We’ve spent time getting to know our characters and finding the comedy between Babs and Phil and I have to say Babs is very much like me…Although perhaps with a little more confidence!
Sadly ,our original Phil had to step down due to ill health so everything has had to change very quickly. We’re incredibly lucky to have a wonderful new Phil who has stepped into some very big shoes at such short notice.
At the time of writing rehearsals are very much about “the show must go on” Time is definitely of the essence, but somehow we’re still managing to have plenty of fun and lots of laughs along the way.
Claire Holland plays Babs
9: Grow is a moving musical number. How did you find Francesca’s voice?
Grow was the number that stayed with me after watching Bake Off in the West End because of how powerful the lyrics reveal themselves to be.
The words were like a map to help me shape her voice. Because in just over three minutes, Grow shows you who Francesca is, loving, determined and resilient. It’s a real honour to be given such beautiful storytelling in song form.
Clarissa Place plays Francesca
10: Russell is one of the kindest contestants. What do you think he brings to the group?
In addition to an endearing geekiness, I think Russell also brings warmth and humour to the group.
Stuart Lamb plays Russell
11: Dezza has strong views on veganism. Can you relate to him?
I can understand Dezza’s passion for Veganism and I respect him for his dedication. It seems to be hard work to be vegan, involving a great deal of research and commitment, which would explain why Dezza would want to share that knowledge with everyone – all the time!
I have looked into the vegan diet but it really is quite restrictive. It is not just about food either! It is not a lifestyle I could adhere to.
Jess Brown plays Dezza
12: The hosting dynamic is integral to the musical. How did you develop chemistry together?
Hannah: The key to chemistry is having fun!! Make sure to laugh all the time, and have a lot of sweets stashed away, especially the ones the other host loves!
Mike: It’s knowing at times you are on the same level and laughing together. Making it fun and smiling as much as possible… oh and enjoying Kim’s stash of sweets
Hannah Valentine and Mike Wareham play Kim and Jim
13: Pam and Phil’s relationship is built on years of knowing each other. Why do you feel they are so close?
Because they have known each other so long they know how each other thinks… they know that the teasing is heartfelt and they are like siblings in their rivalry.
He’s the flip to her flop, the tip to her tap and they have an uncanny knack of finishing each other’s …. sandwiches
Jayne Andrew and Paul Andrew play Pam and Phil
The Great British Bake Off the Musical opens Tuesday 13th October at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre. Many thanks to the cast and creatives for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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