The Story Behind The Baker’s Wife
Playing at the historic Menier Chocolate Factory until mid-September 2024, The Baker’s Wife is a cult classic musical from the legendary Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein. With a charming score, award-winning cast and engaging script, it’s set to be the show of the summer. But what’s the story behind The Baker’s Wife? Let’s find out more.
History of The Baker’s Wife
Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger directed by Marcel Pagnol and the novel Blue Boy by French author Jean Giono, The Baker’s Wife musical has often been described as a forgotten gem. The original West End production opened in 1976 at the Gielgud Theatre but never made it to Broadway. It enjoyed greater acclaim when it came back to the West End in 1989, staged by Trevor Nunn. Nunn made the villagers a protagonist along with the main characters as they undergo a big period of change during the production. This, claims Stephen Schwartz who wrote the music and lyrics for the show, gave The Baker’s Wife a different focus and a new lease of life.
Brand New Production
Today’s show tells the story of a middle-aged baker named Aimable Castagenet who arrives in a small French town where nothing much changes. He is joined by his beautiful and much younger wife Genevieve, to the fascination of the villagers. While the community is delighted with the baker’s bread, which is much better than that of his predecessor, trouble brews when Genevieve is wooed by the Mayor Marquis’ charming and infatuated chauffeur Dominique, and runs away with him.
Distraught at his wife’s infidelity, Aimable sinks into despair and stops baking bread. Soon, the villagers who rely on him and his bakery become desperate. Realising they need to help Aimable, they gather together to track down Genevieve and bring her back. Their efforts are successful, and Genevieve returns to her husband who forgives her and starts baking bread again. The show’s most famous songs include ‘Meadowlark’, which is sung by Genevieve when she’s deciding what to do, and ‘Chanson’.
The Baker’s Wife Themes
There are many themes running through this marvellous production. These include community and solidarity, forgiveness and redemption. The score also perfectly accompanies the script which is incredibly moving at times but also uplifting.
Directed by Gordon Greenberg with choreography by Olivier Award winner Matt Cole and designs by Paul Farnsworth, this brand new production plays for a limited 10-week run only, beginning on 6 July 2024. The cast features WhatsOnStage award winner Lucie Jones (Wicked, Waitress) as Geneveive and Olivier award-winner Clive Rowe (Sister Act) as Aimable the Baker. Joining them are Mark Extance, Josefina Gabrielle, Michael Matus, David Seadon-Young, Matthew Seadon-Young and Joaquin Pedro Valdes.
Book The Baker’s Wife theatre tickets with KX Tickets today, and enjoy a show to remember. It’s a great production to enjoy while in the big city on a fun-filled adventure. Remember, the show is set for a limited run only so don’t miss out.
