Homebaked: Bakery to Musical

Anfield’s beloved bakery takes to the stage

By EMMA DUKES

Singing the story of Anfield’s most loved community bakery, Homebaked the Musical, is underway at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. With showings until October 23rd, Boff Whalley’s musical shows how a group of strong-minded scousers and homemade pies transformed a derelict bakery into a thriving business. A decade ago, Anfield was a rundown, neglected area and its community bakery faced demolition. The building that is now Homebaked had been at the heart of Anfield’s community for almost 100 years. The three previous occupants were all well-known bakeries, including Mitchell’s which closed due to a new market renewal initiative, in 2012. Dutch artist, Jana Van, came to Liverpool as part of the Biennial, wanting to create art within the building, however it became apparent that the ability to buy local, fresh breads and treats was massively important to the community. Residents came together to create Homebaked Community Bakery and Homebaked Community Land Trust, focused on economic growth for Anfield, without giving in to external property developers. The new Red Ladder Theatre musical tells this story with music, humour and a local cast – including a choir made up of the real Anfield residents involved in the Community Bakery and Community Land Trust. Homebaked’s pies boast 4.5-star reviews on Trip Advisor and it’s no surprise that the musical is achieving similar praise with The Wirral Globe and The Review Hub rating it 4-stars out of 5. But how did an almost decade-old fight for a local bakery end up on stage?

‘ Anfield is in a better place thanks to the power of the people’

Marketing Manager for Homebaked Community Bakery, Luke Hargreaves spoke to Mersey News Live, highlighting how the musical started and what it means for Anfield. ‘Artistic director at Red Ladder Theatre, Rod Dixon, got in touch with us after we were featured on The Anfield Wrap’s podcast. ‘Rod loved the story and what we here at Homebaked stand for. After a few cups of tea – and plenty of fresh pies – it was decided that our story would become a musical at the Royal Court. ‘At first, I was worried. I didn’t want our story to become a joke, but it soon became clear that the team at Red Ladder were going to do our story justice and they’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with.’ Writer, Boff Whalley, interviewed various people involved in Homebaked’s history – ensuring that the story stayed accurate. ‘All characters in the musical are fictionalised, to ensure no person is given more credit than another, but there is real life inspiration within each character,’ Luke explains. ‘Our staff and volunteering team love the musical and reviews are great so far. ‘I think anyone who can sympathise with the odds being against you will love it and love our story. Our area stood up and fought and Anfield is in a better place thanks to the power of the people.’ Red Ladder Theatre hopes that one day Homebaked the Musical may be a star in the West End, but only time will tell. Tickets to Homebaked the Musical start at £20 per person and can be purchased at https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/whats-on/homebaked-the-musical/.

Homebaked: The Facts

Homebaked Bakery was born eight years ago but the building itself has been various bakeries for a century.

You can now get your hands on a ‘Vegan Scouse’ pie.

On the boundary between Anfield and Everton, the bakery is opposite Anfield Stadium and is famous with fans of Liverpool Football Club.

Opening hours are 8am-4pm weekdays and 9am-5pm Saturdays.

The opening of Homebaked Bakery has led to a community land trust being born, meaning that Anfield continues to fight for the protection and restoration of its community buildings. This currently includes new homes being developed.

Homebaked’s signatures pies are available at the Royal Court throughout the show, however, it looks like they may become a permanent menu item at the theatre too.

The choir featured in Homebaked the Musical are part of the Anfield community.

The bakery survives thanks to the help of brilliant volunteers.