Scouts! The Musical – Review

Having seen hundreds of productions across a lifetime of theatre-going, I thought I had pitched my tent in every genre imaginable. Yet Scouts! The Musical, from the endlessly inventive minds at Gigglemug, marked my first true encounter with a family-friendly musical that caters as much to adults as it does to children. To my delight, it was utterly joyous. I laughed freely and frequently and left genuinely impressed by the wit, warmth, and musical calibre of the production.

The story follows a spirited troupe of young scouts gathering at the Annual Scout Games, all determined to win the coveted Golden Badge. Over the course of a delightfully chaotic competition involving everything from martial arts and maths challenges to piano recitals and portraiture, the scouts navigate sabotage, surveillance, and the hypnotic interference of rival competitors out for revenge. Adding a layer of unpredictability, audience members are invited into the fray, often “knocked out” by surprise. As tensions rise and the desire to win begins to eclipse the Scout’s code of honour, the show playfully explores ambition, teamwork, and the occasionally questionable tactics of winning at all costs.

Photo by Benkin Photography

The book, direction, and overall concept come from the irrepressible Sam Cochrane, whose vision is as gleefully absurd as it is sharply constructed. Created in partnership with the Scouting Association and officially endorsed by Chief Scout Bear Grylls, the production is both affectionate and irreverent. It celebrates nonsense with abandon, from hilariously ill-timed narrator interjections to the occasional recorder solo and absurdist flourishes that lean into the eccentric. The humour is deliciously awkward and brazenly idiotic, and in its commitment to such silliness, the show achieves something quite rare: comedic courage. I found myself snorting with laughter more times than I care to admit and not always at appropriate moments.

David Fallon’s score is a joyful, genre-hopping delight, moving with ease between toe-tapping rap numbers, heartfelt ballads, and a hypnotic tango that deserves a merit badge of its own. The music is as eclectic as it is accomplished, and it is performed with flair by an ensemble of multi-talented actor musicians. Their vocals are rich and confident, and they glide between a dozen instruments with the kind of ease that speaks to serious skill. Emily Kitchingham brings charisma and control to her performance as Faye Kname, who later reveals a second identity as the vengeful Charlotte. Eleanor Fransch is compelling as the fiercely ambitious Eliza, delivering a standout ballad that offers a brief but brilliant glimpse of her ruthless edge. Katie Pritchard is irresistibly funny as Rosie, the unfortunately hypnotised scout, bringing her signature comic timing and physicality to every moment. Honestly, if there were a badge for “most committed to facial expressions,” she’d have earned it before the interval. The ensemble as a whole exudes versatility and infectious energy, elevating every scene with musical precision and playful flair.

Photo by Benkin Photography

If I were to offer a note, it would be on the interactive elements of the production. Inviting the audience to take part is an inspired idea that fits beautifully with the show’s sense of fun and chaos. However, like any good scouting trip, it depends heavily on who turns up on the day. Audience members were brought on stage to participate in various competitions, and while some rose to the challenge with gusto, others seemed a little like they had wandered in from the wrong badge session. At times, the energy dipped slightly when participants were more reserved than reactive, leading to a few moments that felt less brilliantly awkward and more just awkward. Perhaps a touch more direction or gentle nudging from the cast might help these moments land with more consistency. That said, it is a bold and charming risk, and when it works, it is golden. When it doesn’t, well, that’s half the fun.

Nevertheless, Scouts! The Musical is a resounding success. It is a celebration of silliness, sincerity, and sheer theatrical joy. I adored it. The audience around me danced in their seats, tapped their feet, and clapped along with genuine delight, swept up by the irresistible energy of the cast. It is no surprise, then, that the production has caught the attention of awards panels, earning nominations at both the WhatsOnStage Awards and the Offies, a testament to its creative ambition and infectious spirit. But perhaps the most meaningful praise came not from critics, but from a young scout leaving the auditorium, eyes wide and cheeks flushed with laughter:“I loved that. Can we go see more theatre?”And truly, what higher badge of honour could any production hope to earn?

Scouts! The Musical is on tour around the UK with stops at;

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester 10th-15th June 2025

Upstairs At The Gatehouse, London 18th-22nd June 2025

The Egg Theatre, Bath 26th-29th June 2025

Tickets available at https://gigglemugcomedy.com/scouts-the-musical/

Photo by Benkin Photography

Photo by Benkin Photography

Photo by Benkin Photography

Photo by Benkin Photography

Photos by Benkin Photography