Review: Come Dine With Me the Musical
Written by Jamie Griffiths on September 12, 2024
The Cast Of Come Dine With Me The Musical – Photo: Mark Senior
Review: Come Dine With Me the Musical
09-09-24 The Turbine Theatre by Gary Nicholls and Teresa Brown
The Turbine Theatre’s latest production, Come Dine With Me: The Musical, offers a fresh, exciting take on the beloved reality show, proving that the small screen concept translates brilliantly to the stage. Created by the talented team of Sam Norman and Aaron King, this musical comedy follows a film crew as they document yet another weekly contest, blending wit, charm, and a dash of chaos into the mix. The result? One of the best shows I’ve seen in quite some time.
For anyone familiar with Come Dine With Me, you’ll instantly recognize the joy of watching mismatched contestants vying for culinary glory. But even if you’ve never seen an episode, you’re in for a treat. The story has broad appeal, offering humour, heart, and an energetic cast whose chemistry makes this a true ensemble piece.
Paul Hazel – Come Dine With Me The Musical – Photo: Mark Senior
The melodies in Come Dine With Me: The Musical are incredibly catchy and remind me of the contemporary brilliance we saw in SIX. There’s an infectious quality to the music that stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre. The numbers are sharp, well-paced, and just plain fun. It’s no exaggeration to say I’m already looking forward to playing the soundtrack on Matinee Radio.
Without giving too much away, the show’s opening is ingeniously quiet and understated – you don’t even realize the performance has begun. This slow build cleverly sets the tone for a story full of surprises, with characters who are not always what they seem.
As someone who’s actually taken part in Come Dine With Me (and won my episode back in 2015!), there were plenty of moments that resonated with my personal experience. The tension, the drama, and, of course, the humour felt very authentic. Yet the show manages to elevate these elements in ways that are both theatrical and relatable.
The cast deserves a special mention for their stellar performances. Daniele Coombe (Mary), Kim Ismay (Barbara), Paul Hazel (Duncan), Harry Chandler (Teddy), Sophie Hutchinson (Janey), Leo Udvarlaky (Ernest), and Tom Bowen (Roy) make up an outstanding ensemble. It’s clear that a lot of hard work has gone into creating this seamless and dynamic performance, and their chemistry is undeniable. Under Robin Grant’s direction, the cast finds the perfect balance between comedy and sincerity, earning a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.
Tom Bowen, Daniele Coombe & Harry Chandler – Come Dine With Me The Musical – Photo: Mark Senior
The intimate setting of The Turbine Theatre further enhances the experience. It’s a venue that feels inclusive and welcoming, allowing every seat to feel like the best in the house. The owners should be proud of the unique atmosphere they’ve created – it’s the perfect space for a show like this.
Though this is a limited run, there’s a palpable hope among the audience that Come Dine With Me: The Musical will go on to bigger stages. It certainly deserves to. This is a show with legs – strong melodies, smart direction, and a concept that’s both familiar and fresh. Here’s hoping we see much more of this winning recipe in the future.
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