Reviews
"...the main reason the show’s musical numbers are never unwelcome is Baker’s expert care in crafting the score. The musical theatre touchstone for ‘everyday story told with a twist’ is surely Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years, and Baker’s music rises to the considerable challenge of not paling in comparison to that masterpiece. He demonstrates harmonic and rhythmic flair... this classy score suits the tone of the piece well."
- musicaltheatrereview.com for 'Tasting Notes' (2022)
​
"Musically, this is a wonderful show... the score was effective at showcasing each character's moment in the spotlight."
- Everything Theatre for 'Tasting Notes' (2022)
​
"Musically, it also proves to be more fascinating than at first sight, edging almost to chamber opera as unexpected time signatures and phrasing snag the attention. The occasional complexity of the melodies also offers psychological depth... the loveliness of duet ‘It Could Be You’ is such that one could easily see it becoming an MT cabaret staple."
- There Ought To Be Clowns for 'Tasting Notes' (2022)
​
"...especially with the band in the hands of the masterful MD, Richard Baker... it pulls you along with a throbbing groove that will not be easily forgotten."
- britishtheatre.com for 'Brooklyn' (2019)
​
"One of the most enjoyable elements of the evening is the playing of the imaginative, uncredited, musical arrangements by a band of six... under the MD Richard Baker."
- Last Minute Theatre Tickets for 'Brooklyn' (2019)
​
"It has the songs, the voices and under Richard Baker's musical direction it has the pipes."
- WhatsOnStage for 'Brooklyn' (2019)
​
"Richard Baker’s musical arrangements and sound design was fantastic and catchy."
- Last Minute Theatre Tickets for 'Can-Can!' (2019)
​
"Musical Director Richard Baker, provides the sole musical support on piano, puts in a heroic and faultless shift leading his cast and entertaining the audience through the classic melodies."
- Jonathan Baz for 'Iolanthe' (2018)
​
"From the gentle opening notes to the full-blooded chorus numbers the only instrument involved is a piano, played with huge sensitivity and panache by Richard Baker. His contribution as musical director and pianist should not be underestimated and he rightly received warm adulation from the audience."
- reviewsgate.com for 'Iolanthe' (2018)
​
"This one man orchestra is clearly an incredibly talented musician as well as a gifted musical director, who balances conducting singers with almost non-stop piano playing."
- The Reviews Hub for 'The Mikado', (2017)
​
"There is a great big ensemble, and their music is super: MD Richard Baker does a terrific job in keeping the endless time signature and tempo changes sounding fluent, pointing out the richness of the score and drawing highly attractive performances from the company."
- britishtheatre.com for 'Anyone Can Whistle' (2017)
​
"Richard Baker as musical director on the piano plays wondrously..."
- LondonTheatre1 for 'The Secret Garden' (2016)
​
"Richard Baker's band are wonderful throughout - demonstrating great stamina as well as great skill!"
- Broadway World for 'Road Show' (2016)
​
"The ensemble singing and dancing was to a high standard throughout with clean diction... Music Director Richard Baker keeps things moving well."
- britishtheatre.com for 'Our House' (2015)
​
"The articulation of the songs, driven along by some heroic piano playing by musical directors Richard Baker and Nick Barstow, is first rate... you rejoice in such skilled musicality at close quarters."
- WhatsOnStage for 'Princess Ida' (2014)