A Jaffa Cake Musical by Gigglemug’s Sam Cochrane is a new musicalisation of a rather absurd scenario that on the surface seems to be an example of a corporation trying to evade paying more taxes, but in fact, is actually a heartfelt David versus Goliath story with accompaniment.
Really takes the (Jaffa) cake
In 1991, the United Biscuits Groups went to court to try and get their product - the Jaffa Cake - reclassified as a cake rather than a biscuit in order to avoid paying 20% VAT on their product. A Jaffa Cake Musical is a retelling of this very important moment in British history that ended the polarised debate about whether a Jaffa Cake is a cake or a biscuit.
Cochrane has also introduced a sub-plot that concentrates on the lives of the defense and prosecution. Whilst he should be commended for matching the absurdity of the trial in his music, the sub-plot detracts from this. It feels like it's jammed in to add a human element; to create an uplifting and inspiring message that will encourage us to root for the multimillion pound corporation in a ‘sticking it to the man’ kind of way, which feels a little patronising, especially considering the company that makes Jaffa Cakes - United Biscuits (Holdings) Ltd - had a 25% market share in the UK in 2014 when it stopped being publicly traded due to being acquired for £2 billion by Yildiz Holdings. It’s a little difficult to suspend disbelief as the sub-plot waters down the absurdity, where a lot of the comedy is mined from and instead grounds the show in reality, and it just feels weird to be encouraged to feel happy about a company paying less tax.
The cast really commit to the bit and their performances match the moment. Sabrina Messer’s Katherine is phenomenal and she drives the musical forward. Katie Pritchard as the Tax Man steals the show with a lot of humour in the role coming from an observationist, self-aware logic and boiling down this huge umbrella concept into common sayings and realisations. Pritchard’s appearances as this character add an element of fun villainy that we love to hate, like a pantomime villain but more sophisticated.
It’s not possible to walk away from this musical without craving Jaffa Cakes. This show really takes the (jaffa) cake.
