Gigglemug Comedy bring their entertaining new musical to the black box studio in The Other Palace to put us squarely into the annual Scout games.
As the Scout movement is open to both genders at all levels (something I discovered in conversation last night), the cast comprises three men and three women, all able musicians and comedians.
With book, lyrics, and direction by Sam Cochrane, and music and lyrics by David Fallon, this is a show to engage all the family, with a madly talented and committed cast.
The songs are always toe-tapping and move the plot along, although one in act two which pulls us away from the main location feels a little unnecessary, well-performed though it is.
With a feel of The Hunger Games and a nasty villain and a bit of audience participation (but don’t worry, this is very limited), Scouts the Musical flirts with peril while celebrating the best bits of the Scout ethos and laws.
Cast members Sydney Spencer (Aylsha), Joel Nash (Joe), Kemi Clarke (Scout Leader Dylan), Katie Pritchard (Rosie), Emily Kitchingham and MD Rob Gathercole are great as individuals or a team.
At 75 minutes plus interval, Scouts the Musical could stand a trim of the first act for pacing, but there are lots of challenges and surprises to keep you on your toes.
However, I can also see this developing for a bigger audience of appreciative cubs, scouts, beavers, and explorers. It has all the elements ready to go and the collective spirit to make it work.
Scouts the Musical continues at The Other Palace until 9 Jul: tickets here.
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Image credit: Benkin Photography