The Baker’s Wife is the current production running at Menier Chocolate Factory.
Ticket link: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/the-bakers-wife/
Sutara Gayle plays Therese in Stephen Schwartz’s cult classic musical.
It’s very exciting to have The Baker’s Wife back in London for its major revival at the Menier. You play Therese, the critical spinster of the village. Can you say a bit more about her?
Therese is a God-fearing woman who pretty much oversees everything and has a very strong opinion about one’s morals.
There’s been something of a Stephen Schwartz resurgence in recent years with his 75th birthday and revivals of Rags, Pippin and Godspell. What’s the best thing about performing his work?
Stephen’s songs are beautiful. There are some extraordinary voices in this cast, and I feel lucky to get to hear them every day!
The instrumentation is heavenly. Music is my first love, so in truth, it was the songs that drew me to the piece.
The Baker’s Wife is approaching its 50th birthday in 2026 and is something of a hidden gem. Why should people come to see it?
It’s a feel-good musical.
There is so much unhappiness in the world, it’s a relief to come out, forget about your problems for two hours and allow yourself to be transported into 1930s France, with an eclectic group of people.
The song “Meadowlark,” sung by the character Genevieve, has taken on a life of its own outside of the score. Which songs from the show are you most fond of?
My favourites are “Bread & Romance” and “I’m in Love” is one of the greatest songs ever written.
The singer, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, takes it to another dimension!! All the songs are enjoyable and move the story along
I sing in the ensemble and really enjoy it.
What do you enjoy the most about performing on stage, and what do you think of the Menier?
I love live audiences because anything can happen on any given day.
We are all there waiting to see what unfolds – actors and audiences alike. We are all in the present moment.
The Menier is such a beautiful intimate space, it allows for the audiences to be integral in the storyline.
What do you think of the musical scene generally in 2024?
Some are good, some are not so good. C’est la vie!