Interview: Sam Cochrane, A Jaffa Cake Musical

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Sam Cochrane about A Jaffa Cake Musical.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far.

I’m Sam Cochrane, Artistic Director of Gigglemug Theatre and writer of our latest show A Jaffa Cake Musical. I co-wrote, co-directed and performed in both of Gigglemug’s Edinburgh Fringe hits: Timpson: The Musical, which won The Stage Edinburgh Award, and the critically-acclaimed RuneSical. I also co-wrote & directed Scouts! The Musical which recently received a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Off-West End Production.

What is your show about?

A Jaffa Cake Musical is based on the real life 1991 tribunal which saw McVitie’s face off against the Tax Man to prove that a Jaffa Cake is in fact a cake rather than a biscuit. It’s got everything from whacky debates to a 90s boy band to a chocolate covered nightmare!

What was the inspiration for A Jaffa Cake Musical and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

I’ve always been fascinated by the tribunal and, as it’s a true story, it required me to use my history degree for the first time since graduating to do some serious research! We were lucky enough to stage workshop performances earlier this year at The Other Palace as part of MTFest which went down a storm, so we can’t wait to get the finished show on its feet.

What made you want to take A Jaffa Cake Musical to the Fringe?

A musical about Jaffa Cakes is made for the Fringe. The festival champions daring new musicals, especially ones with zany subject matter. Having premiered Timpson: The Musical & RuneSical there previously it only made sense to debut this show where it all began for us as a company!

Apart from seeing A Jaffa Cake Musical, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

If you want the full Fringe experience then get yourself a pint from the Brass Monkey, eat some fancy mac and cheese from a stall and see more shows in a day than you ever thought possible.

Why should people book A Jaffa Cake Musical?

A Jaffa Cake Musical is pure escapism which, let’s face it, we all need right now. It’s a feel-good musical comedy with absolute bangers and a stellar cast. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

When and where can people see A Jaffa Cake Musical?

A Jaffa Cake Musical is on everyday at 3:10PM at Pleasance Courtyard and you can get your tickets here: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/jaffa-cake-musical