HOMEBAKED is where the heart is ...
Suspend belief and allow for some dramatic licence in this musical based on a modern day urban fairy tale and you will come away believing that sticking together individually and collectvely ultimately pays off.
The proof is in the pudding ... or, in this case, pies.
It may not seem like the usual storyboard for Royal Court shows, but the affectionately known Peoples' Theatre has consistently shown that it is prepared to depart from its popular template of laugh-a-minute productions.
Production picture from 'Homebaked - the musical'. Picture: Jason Roberts
That is not to say it doesn't have its share of laughter and anger accompanied by catchy new songs.
Liverpool has a larder full of talent in front of and behind the scenes and here the Court raid the shelves by casting some favourites who always give 100 per cent.
In a co-production with Red Ladder Theatre company this is an uplifting, self-raising story of local heroes in Anfield who, back in 2012, faced a battle with property developers.
This is their celebratory tale that unfolds in just under two and a half hours written by Burnley-born musician Boff Whalley of Chumbawamba fame and directed by Rod Dixon on Olivia Du Monceau's gate-fold bakery shop set.
Stalwart Pauline Daniels is determined Annie who fires on all cylinders - a match for the council man in a suit played with his usual energetic versatility by Liam Tobin.
George Jones is Tony - Annie's philisophical Evertonian son who serves out banter with Reds oppo number Paul Broughton as street wise pie-oneer Frank.
Production picture from 'Homebaked - the musical'. Picture: Jason Roberts
Another talented young actor is George Caple who is engaging as Dylan a Widnes wanderer while Steph Lacey as German artist Astrid has strudels of fun with the accent.
Eithne Browne plays two roles: an ageing bakeshop proprietor and an accountant Rita (who helps with the dough ... how's that for a current pun?).
Her lovely performance as the grumpy, insult-throwing, ad-libbing Scouser Mrs Mitchell is a highlight and it's a pity we could not see more of her character who leaves the stage and the story far too early.
The first half is surprisingly stronger than the slightly rushed second.
That said, the songs are memorable but at times maybe regulo 5 rather than 6 on the volume control would allow us to hear the important lyrics a bit better.
Production picture from 'Homebaked - the musical'. Picture: Jason Roberts
One man who deserves a metaphorical 'star baker' apron is Howard Gray who, when not leading his high up on stage band, plays Trevor a beer drinker who strolls on to deliver random Tommy Cooper-esque culinary gags.
The audience love Trevor who attacks the fourth wall like a wrecking ball.
Homebaked is a happy-go-lucky show about a happy-go-lucky success story where hard times lead to community progress. Where the ghosts of Brookside meet Ealing Comedy's Passport to Pimlico.
Flour Power!
Four Stars (One for the excellent Homebaked Community Choir).
The show is on until October 23
Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4321
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