Friction in the kitchen! As a big fan of the TV show on Channel 4, this show was one of my most highly anticipated of the Fringe. Come Dine With Me: The Musical tells the fictional story of the thousandth episode of the TV show and the pressure on the producer and film crew to make it a special one. The trio (Producer Mary, Cameraman Roy and Sound Engineer Teddy) meet the four bonkers contestants (a woman obsessed with France, a vegan student activist, the self-proclaimed ‘king of pies’ and Teddy’s teenage crush) and begin filming the episode where each contestant takes turns hosting and cooking a three-course meal. It quickly becomes clear that there is a saboteur intent on destroying the contestants food, much to Mary’s delight. This will be the best episode yet and get their viewing count back up to the good old days. Teddy is also on a personal journey to be more assertive, battle his anxiety and find love.
The show got off to a slightly confusing start as the microphones could not be heard over the crowd and it took a moment to realise it had begun, but this was a minor hiccup and the rest of the performance was amazing and the characters could be heard successfully.
The original songs were fabulously catchy and witty and each actor had a fantastic voice made for the stage. The live band beautifully accompanied the singers, who each had the ability to sing at an impressive speed. Some lines and lyrics were slightly too fast to be understood, but the way jokes were incorporated into the music was hilarious. The audience were laughing and clapping along to the songs and the show ended to a standing ovation.
This show leaves you feeling joyful and with a sore stomach from laughing too hard. The lighting and set design were excellent and props were moved seamlessly between scenes. Some props cleverly functioned as multiple things, such as the wall which could be turned around to become the taxi, with working headlights and everything!
The show has everything you could want, from mystery to comedy to romance. Come one, come all, come dine with me!
Come Dine With Me: The Musical is on at 14:20 at Cowbarn in Underbelly, Bristo Square 21-25 Aug.
Tickets available here.
Images provided to The Student as press material.