Come Dine With Me: The Musical – Underbelly Bistro Square

What if Come Dine With Me was a musical?

Well, that question finally has an answer, however this musical focuses more on the behind the camera team than it does the wacky contestants themselves.

Our producer Mary (Danielle Coombe) is looking to film a new episode of Come Dine With Me, but with views dropping she’s going to need this episode to be a little more spicey. It seems she gets what she’s asked for when acts of sabotage come into question and our contestants seem to be as cookie and weird as can be. Despite the onscreen action being a little suspicious, it seem the real drama is behind the camera as sound man Teddy (Harry Chandler) is having his own existential crisis. There will be love, there will be “I want” ballads and there will be food.

Come Dine With Me: The Musical is a fun and cheesy short musical with some real bops and a very talented cast. It’s sure to get you chuckling and the songs are rather catchy. Whilst you would probably expect a little more dining room drama if you are a fan of the TV show, the plot is engaging and there are more than a few unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your feet. The writing flows well and I’m sure each character will be someone in the audience’s favourite by the end: personally, mine had to be Barbara (Kim Ismay) our posh contestant obsessed with the French.

Vocally all of this cast are very skilled however a shout out must be given to our lead Chandler who’s vocally range is highly impressive and our diva producer powerhouse Coombe.

Overall, this is a very jolly show, well executed and very funny, however as a lover of the TV show I just wish there had been more contestant drama, that being said I would still definitely recommend this show.

Come Dine With Me: The Musical plays until 25^th August (excluding 13^th) 14:20 at Underbelly Bistro Square Cow Barn.

Buy tickets at Come Dine With Me: The Musical | Musicals and Opera | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)

Reviewer: Beth Eltringham

Reviewed: 6^th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: