|
Felixstowe Musical Theatre is now in its 44th year and is still going as strong as ever with it’s whimsical latest production.
The Baker’s Wife, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwatrz and book by Joseph Stein is based on a 1938 French film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono. This musical comedy still manages to deliver the laughter, despite the serious undertones of the story.
The story centres around a provincial French town whose bickering inhabitants keenly await the arrival of their new baker. When he finally arrives, Aimable Castagnet, although he can bake amazing bread, is the subject of much gossip, due to his much younger, attractive wife Genevieve. This seemingly happy marriage unravels to reveal pain and heartache, yet as the townsmen and women rally round to help, bad neighbourly feelings are all but forgotten.
|
 |
Kellyanne Crane and Alex Shulver are wonderfully cast as Genevieve and Aimable Castagnet, both play their parts with great vivacity and emapathy both singing wonderful solos. Credit also has to given to Michelle Poutney-Langham as the downtrodden Denise, wife of the cafe owner, who starts the musical with great aplomb with Chanson. Chris Branch carried off a great acting and singing debut as Dominique. Angela Billing as the indomitable Therese carries off wonderful one liners as does the male supporting cast notably Wes Moore as Antoine and Jim Wearne as Doumergue.
Eileen Hicks’ costumes were wonderfully evocative of 1930’s rural France and the simple but highly effective set really added to this impression. A special feline mention has to go to Max the cat who appeared on stage as the Castagnet’s cat Pom-Pom, the bravery in casting a live cat on stage was certainly well repaid by Max’s laid back approach!
|
|
So if you’re stuck for something to do this evening, or are looking for an alternative to football, I’d definitely recommend going to see this wonderful production of The Baker’s Wife at the Spa Pavilion. The show runs until the 12th June so be quick and don’t miss out.
Felixstowe Spa Box Office: 01394 282126.
Book online www.thespapavilion.com
— Alex Townsend —
|
