The Baker’s Wife – Menier Chocolate Factory

Picture: Tristram Kenton

The Baker’s Wife continues at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London until 14 September 2024.

Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩

From the moment you enter the theatre you are transported back to an enchanting 1930s Provencal French village square, a country idyll complete with ivy on the walls, window boxes, shuttered windows and excited chatter of the locals at the café, some playing Boules, all eager to welcome us and their soon to be new baker – bread being an intrinsic part of their everyday lives.

Denise’s (Josefina Gabrielle) ‘Chanson’ instantly captured my attention, making me just as excited to meet the new inhabitants as the villagers. She introduces us to this small microcosm of village life where everyone knows everyone else’s business – with only one newspaper, one Marquis (Michael Matus), one priest (Matthew Seadon-Young), one café owner (Norman Pace) and one baker (arguably the most important person in the village).

We are introduced to the baker Aimable (Clive Rowe) and his young wife Genevieve (Lucie Jones) as they arrive to a rapturous welcome from the desperate villagers. Soon gossip spreads around the age difference between the couple and a young local, Dominique, becomes infatuated by Genevieve.

All the ingredients of this lively musical revival seem like the perfect recipe for success, but the proof is in the pudding and without that secret magical ingredient (like the tale), it can flounder. This musical adaptation originated from a 1938 French film (La Femme du Boulanger) and was first staged in 1976 but never made it to Broadway. It premiered in London in Trevor Nunn’s 1989 production, which closed shortly after it opened. Will this production finally hit the mark and offer something new?

There are touches of the neighbouring immersive Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre combined with the fairy tale appeal of Beauty and the Beast. Gordon Greenberg’s production oozes charm – joyous scenes featuring the exuberant cast of animated townspeople, such as the one where they offer their ode to ‘bread’, are beautifully choreographed by Matt Cole. ‘Romance’ is captivating with sad undertones as the women of the village share their shared desire for true love and try to break out of their shells. The experienced, highly skilled cast is what really makes this production special.

Jones is magnificent as ever as proud and kind Genevieve. ‘Gifts of Love’ and ‘Meadowlark’ are true standout moments that really showcase her outstanding vocals: both sweet and delicate, yet powerful and earnest within the same breath. Her angst is tangible from the onset. Her choices questionable. She provides the much needed ‘fairy dust’ essential to this production and her newly married baker husband alike.

As the jovial jolly Amiable, infatuated by his new wife, his heartbreak is truly agonising to watch.

Although the music by legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz is enjoyable, it falls a little flat against the backdrop of a somewhat forgettable plot and appears disappointingly old fashioned within the setting of changing values.

The first half feels hopeful and inspiring with so much potential, full of the humour and sweetness of a strawberry tart. However, Act II is where it falls short, becoming repetitive and lacklustre as the plot seems to go nowhere. Neither the village relationships nor the romances have enough depth or detail to fully flourish.

Although not fully risen to its full potential, there is still a delightful bake to be enjoyed.

Marina Holmes