Gigglemug Theatre returns to the Fringe following its success with Timpson:the Musical. In its latest venture into lampooning British brand names, they turn their attention to the humble Jaffa cake in A Jaffa Cake Musical.
This focuses on the 1991 tribunal to determine whether the Jaffa cake was a biscuit or a cake in order that the company could save the 20% VAT that would have to be paid to the taxman.
It is set in court with a zany set design by Lauren Jones on moving trucks with balustrades all in shades of orange and chocolate, reflecting the Jaffa cake.
This brand new musical is seriously silly and very funny and has a splendid cast of five, whose performances effervesce.
The two lawyers, Kevin (Sam Cochrane) for the defence and Sabrina Messer as Katherine for the prosecution, have known each other from student days. They are now set against each other as the trial continues, but could there be a bond forming between them?
Their relationship sparks as they battle for supremacy to win the case. Harry Miller as Jake works for United Biscuits and is hopeful that Kevin will win the case for the company, although, “it’s becoming a chocolate covered nightmare.”
There is a wonderful, fiendish performance from Katie Pritchard as the taxman, and Alex Prescot is the controlling judge as well as providing the music played on the keyboard.
There is so much to enjoy in this fast-paced, fun musical directed by Ali James, from beards in frames (don’t ask), to knockout choreography and impressive ensemble work, and the ending has a terrific Jaffa surprise.
The cast end with singing, “If a cake can be a biscuit, then you can be anything.” What do you think?