A Jaffa Cake Musical
This musical finally gives us the answer to the 3rd most important question in the universe – Is a Jaffa Cake a Cake or a Biscuit? Well now I know the answer and if you go and see this show you will too!
The set up is simple – taking its inspiration from the 1991 trial in which HMRC attempted to prove a Jaffa Cake was in fact a biscuit and therefore should be subject to additional VAT charges, this show adds a fun musical twist to what is, frankly, a crazy story. This musical comes from the team at Gigglemug Theatre (Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, Timpson: The Musical) proving that silly shows really are their thing!. They all have a good heart at the soul of them and Jaffa Cake Musical is no different.
We start off meeting Kevin (Sam Cochrane), a young man whose family have high hopes for him to enter the world of theatre…he instead dreams of becoming a lawyer. While at law school he meets Katherine (Sabrina Messer) and they later come together again as opposing teams on the biggest case in the world of confectionary, possibly ever.
Sam puts in a stellar performance as Kevin, showing off some spectacular singing skills as well as wonderful acting. His chemistry with Sabrina Messer as Katherine is wonderful, especially in the debating sections of the trial we see unfurling before us. Sabrina has a star turn in this show, being able to use her fantastic vocal talent as well as her superb dance skills.
Katie Pritchard is wonderful as ‘Tax Man’, the villain of the piece and is a wonderful character actress as well as having an incredible voice too! Katie plays several roles in this piece, showing a magnificent diversity in her acting skills.
Harry Miller and Alex Prescot are supporting actors in this show, and they bring so much to the stage. Harry Miller as Jake the Baker from Jaffa Cake is lovely to watch, he has a warm quiet quality to him. Alex Prescot is fun as the Judge, deciding the fate of the snack. He has a sense of power to him which makes for delightful watching.
The design of the show comes from Lauren Jones, it is all very Jaffa Cake inspired with many hints of orange throughout the costumes and set design. It’s never too much though, subtle hints to the subject matter fit well in the world we find ourselves in for the 60-minute show.
All the songs in this show are original and fantastically crafted. There are big ballads, upbeat dance numbers and even a rap or two! There is no musical genre this show fits into other than ‘fantastic’!
I would recommend seeing this show as soon as possible, it’s a joy from start to finish and if you don’t know already, it will help you decide which side of the argument you’re on…Cake or Biscuit?
This show was reviewed on the 19th August 2024 at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh where it runs until the 26th August 2024. Tickets available here: A Jaffa Cake Musical | Pleasance Theatre Trust
Review written by Rosie Browne
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You can watch our interview with Sam Cochrane all about The Jaffa Cake Musical here:
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