Ella Barnett - Bake Off: The Great British Pantomime - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

As part of our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 coverage, we are running a series of interviews with artists and creatives who are taking part in the festival. 

In this interview, we speak to the director Ella Barnett about their show Bake Off: The Great British Pantomime.

What can you tell me about your show?

Our show is super fun and super silly! Designed to bring stupid laughs and baking puns galore to the good people at Edinburgh Fringe! Fun for all the family. With a cherry on top. It does what it says on the (biscuit) tin. We loaf it, and we think you will too!

How would you describe the style of the show?
It's a classic British pantomime! Oh yes it is! Musical Theatre meets Family Theatre meets some (almost) recognisable British icons.

How do/will you prepare for the Fringe?
We've been rehearsing for a couple of months, travelling from all over the country to the Cockpit Theatre in London for in person rehearsals. As the cast and crew are quite spread out, lots of online dance and singing sessions have taken place to get us up to scratch. Preparation has been key with a focus on our social media marketing and the design of our physical flyer. We’ve also been collecting a significant amount of foam baguettes...

Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?
We're really looking forward to climbing Arthur's Seat for the incredible views of Edinburgh, and our traditional night out at Frankenstein's bar for Rocky Horror Night! Some of our cast have never been to Edinburgh before so we’re very excited to witness them experience all of the joys of Fringe for the first time!

If your show was a biscuit, what would it be and why?
I refer this question to our fabulous producer and co-star Jo: A Chocolate Digestive - Because it's classic with a bit of Pizzazz.

Give me a random fact about you/the show?

The first time our cast will all be together is our tech rehearsal.

What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?
The importance of a soggy bottom. And baking puns they can use for the rest of their life.

Where can audiences see the show?
🎭 Bake Off: The Great British Pantomime
📍Greenside, George Street
⏰11:35am
🗓19-24 August
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bake-off-the-great-british-pantomime