Some Fringe shows try to answer the big questions in life, while others are just irreverent, wacky, and fun. Not many manage to do both at the same time, unless, of course, it’s a show by The Gigglemug; the team behind the likes of Timpson the Musical and RuneSical. At this year’s Fringe, it’s one of the nation’s favourite treats that gets the Gigglemug treatment in A Jaffa Cake Musical, written by Sam Cochrane.
More specifically, this is a musical about the 1991 court case that gripped the nation (well, intrigued at the very least). HMRC brought about an action to prove that Jaffa Cakes were, in fact, biscuits, and not, as the name suggests, cakes. Chocolate-covered biscuits are subject to VAT, while cakes are not, and the taxman was determined to reap the benefits of this popular British confection.
This off-the-wall take on a slice of British history has been meticulously researched by Cochrane. On the surface, it’s wildly funny and hugely entertaining, but it manages to put across the key arguments of both the prosecution and the defence in the kind of unexpectedly creative ways that only this company could get away with.
The tangy jam at the centre which holds the two sides of A Jaffa Cake Musical together is the incredible cast. Sam Cochrane plays Kevin, the rookie lawyer hired to represent Jake (Harry Miller), who must prove his creation is indeed a cake. Arguing for the other side is Katherine, a tough legal eagle being intimidated by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Sabrina Messer is incredible in the role, with stunning vocals and a knack for impressing the audience at every turn. Equally impressive is Katie Pritchard as the villain of the piece, the Taxman.
There’s a lovely mix of musical styles, even more impressive when you consider all the musical accompaniment is from the talented Alex Prescot (also playing the Judge). The songs are catchy and leave little crumbs in your head long after the performance ends. ‘The Fork Song’ delights the audience with its cheeky bravado, while comical ballads such as ‘Hard or Soft’ manage to be both funny and enchanting.
The main part of the story focuses on the trial itself, but there are some side plots revolving around Kevin’s relationship with both Jake and Katherine. In an hour-long Fringe show, Cochrane takes this as far as is possible, but should an extended version ever come about (and the company should seriously consider this), then there’s plenty of scope to explore these relationships further.
This Jaffa-mazing musical is a sweet and tasty treat that brightens up the Edinburgh Fringe (whether there’s a full moon, half moon, or total eclipse!). Cochrane’s A Jaffa Cake Musical takes this company’s work to the next level.
