The Baker’s Wife – Review

The Baker’s Wife: The Menier Chocolate Factory, London

3rd August 2024

★★★★

Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono, The Baker’s Wife tells the story of a new baker and his younger wife as they arrive and turn a provincial French village upside down. The cult classic musical is filled with some of Stephen Schwartz’s legendary music, and sets out to immerse the audience into world of Gallic charm in this first major UK revival since its West End premiere in 1989.

The cast are all excellent in their roles, encompassing different (albeit slightly stereotypical) villagers. The interaction with the audience is good and as the stage is so small that every nuance and facial expression needs to be on point – and it is. Clive Rowe is brilliant as the Aimable the Baker – he knows how to command the stage and even during the quieter scenes he captures the emotion brilliantly and ensures all eyes are on him. The relationship between him and Genevieve, played by Lucie Jones, is convincing, lively and fun. Lucie Jones is more than capable of the big vocal numbers such as ‘Meadowlark‘ and ‘Where’s the Warmth?’ where she holds the audience in her hands. As someone used to larger venues, this production shows off her brilliant acting with her expressions and interactions being delicate and believable. Josefina Gabrielle also stands out as long suffering Denise who also acts as a sort of narrator for the show. David Seadon-Young gives a hilarious performance of the village drunk Antoine, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes is convincing as the slightly arrogant young Dominque with his eyes set on Genevieve.

Whilst the story is predictable and slightly dull, this production more than makes up for it by making the whole show so immersive and fun. The auditorium is customised to look like a small town square in any rural French village complete with a game of boules which audience members are invited to join in with during the pre-show. The café sits to one side and audience members can purchase tickets to sit at some of the café’s tables alongside the cast themselves. On the opposite side is the bakery, settled amongst other buildings. The set by Paul Farnsworth is simply perfect for this show and really makes the production stand out. Lighting, by Paul Anderson, again helps to set the scene but is not mind blowing, but perhaps it doesn’t need to be. Matt Cole’s choreography is also very fitting and performed well, given the small space. Audience members should perhaps dress accordingly though as the auditorium actually feels like a hot day in the middle of France making the relative cool of the bar area a welcome treat during the interval.

The Baker’s Wife is a lovely show for the summer, a little escape to France within central London. The plot is simple and is in no means going to set the world on fire, but the cast are superb and there are some lovely musical numbers. So if you are looking for a quick trip away, sit back and enjoy this one playing at The Menier Chocolate Factory this summer.

The Baker’s Wife plays at The Menier Chocolate Factory until the 14th September. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo credit: Tristram Kenton