Liverpool’s Royal Court are delighted to be teaming up with Red Ladder Theatre Company to bring the story of Liverpool’s most famous community bakery to the stage!

The show is based on the true Homebaked story of a community coming together to see off property developers and reclaim their homes and businesses.

As a part of the production, Liverpool’s Royal Court and Red Ladder will be working with members of the community in Anfield to create a choir that will become a part of the show.

Back in 2012, the people of Anfield faced losing a huge chunk of their local community to property developers. Things were looking bleak until a group of like-minded individuals got together and declared: “enough is enough”. Seeking a place for local lads to earn a crust they transformed a crumbling old bakery. Homebaked was born.

This was the first step on an epic journey. What started with a half-baked idea rose and peaked until it had spawned a thriving community business with plans to transform the adjacent terrace into environmentally sustainable, quality homes and commercial spaces with affordable rent. Is it really possible? A piece of cake.

Writer Boff Whalley, best known as lead guitarist in the band Chumbawamba, says:

“I was asked to be involved in writing a musical about Homebaked and I thought it was perfect –  a great real life story of a community pulling together and making something work. What I loved about making Homebaked into a musical comedy is that it’s a good night out, and a way to feel inspired and positive. Music and laughter are so important to stories like this – changing the world one singalong chorus at a time. It’s what we all need right now; that sense of feeling stronger together.”

Red Ladder’s Rod Dixon is directing the show:

“I’m thrilled to be making a new piece of work in the city where I grew up. This true-life story of locals standing up to save their community in Anfield is ripe for adapting into an uplifting new musical drama. The story behind the Homebaked bakery and Community Land Trust is incredibly inspiring; a real show of working-class resilience, pride and defiance and the power of people pulling together and refusing to bow down to bullies.

Liverpool’s Royal Court is the perfect partner for Red Ladder in creating this new co-production; both organisations put local communities at the heart of our work. As well as experiencing a great night out, our audiences feel represented, moved and inspired watching stories unfold on stage that reflect their real lives.”

Boff Whalley has written the script and all of the original songs. Pauline Daniels has been confirmed as a cast member with others to be added soon. Beccy Owen is Musical Director.

Kevin Fearon, Executive Producer at Liverpool’s Royal Court says:

“Red Ladder are one of this country’s leading theatre companies and it’s been a personal ambition to work with them on a show for our audience. Their work starts with people’s real stories and then they turn it in to something magical. I am excited about what they will bring to our stage”

Tickets start at £14 and meals are available before the show for an extra £12. The theatre will adhere to all Covid regulations that will be in place at the time of the show. If the show is postponed or audiences cannot attend for reasons related to the pandemic then full refunds will be available under the Royal Court’s Covid Refund Guarantee.

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