The Great Pottery Throw Down

Series 2021 - Episode 1

Review

by Alison Graham

Like its stablemate The Great British Bake Off, The Great Pottery Throw Down formed a bubble to allow the show to go ahead, with all 12 contestants, its new host, Derry Girls’ actor Siobhan McSweeney, and judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller, thrown together for the duration.

Though the Throw Down isn’t as irresistible as the Bake Off – maybe it lacks charm – it has its joyful moments. There’s some real talent here, too, so much so that once again Brymer “Stop Your Sobbing” Jones is rendered mute by tears.

He weeps immediately upon seeing the first finished creation from one of the amateurs, the final result of the week’s major task, to design and make a cheese set, complete with dome, fondue pot and pickle jars. Each is decorated and glazed.

There are triumphs and disasters and more tears (from Brymer Jones and the potters). Of course, there’s a star potter, too, and someone must leave.

Summary

Siobhan McSweeney hosts the 2021 series as 12 of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion. In this first episode, judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set the potters two challenges against the clock - to throw a cheese set and port chalices.