Review of ‘Scouts! The Musical’: “When a camp goes camp”

The summer holidays kick in early this year with the world premiere of Gigglemug’s new family musical. Guillermo Nazara shares his thoughts on this interactive show where everybody will feel like a child again, to let us know more about the only production that can handle his true self.

“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Alright – deffo no room for me here… Mmmm, maybe if we scrap being kind? And are we married to the cleaning thing? Anyway, I was never a scout when I grew up – that was not the sort of plan you would make in a Spanish summer. Well, perhaps it was but I just wasn’t invited… (take a deep breath). But I’m happy to say that, several years later (shame on you if you wondered how many!), I’ve finally got my membership into a make-believe explorer’s club and 30 seconds under the spotlight… Isn’t life great?

Okay, maybe not life (speak for yourself…), but this show is pretty much close. Scouts! The Musical truly is something special. Kids shows are known for their reputation – their infamous reputation. Not too rarely, a bit of a nightmare for those given the honourable of task of chaperoning, one can’t help but pulling a face of disbelief (read between lines) when a new opportunity arises. Fortunately, this production proves the rule wrong – not only because its standards are much higher, but also because no matter how old you are, you’ll feel as if you belong there.

Written by Sam Cochrane (aka the guy who will convince you to go onstage – don’t worry, you’ll be fine…) and with music and additional lyrics by David Fallon, the piece is a much joyful ride featuring catchy tunes, extremely fun numbers, and a more than committed cast bringing the audience together during for the entire performance. A simple story of adventure and the importance of friendship, the show mixes its many interactive bits (watch out for the can-can challenge… well, it was a challenge for me…) with an overall engaging narrative. Adventure, a bit of magic and a whole lot of laughs fill this charming production whose best-defining trait is, precisely, its showmanship. The troupe knows how to defend the material to a remarkable level – and even if this is not your cup of tea, chances are you’ll want more than a sip.

Displaying a most applaudable combination of skills (its troupe acting, singing and dancing while at the same time playing different instruments), Scouts! has really honoured its name by finding both the formula and the talent to make it brew. With its honest message and a amusing delivery, this is no doubt a must-add to your list if you have some little ones at home in need of some live entertainment. A small production, yes – but a big dream beautifully carried out. And when that spark ignites, nothing can fade away its glimmer.

All pictures credit to Benkin Photography.

Scouts! The Musical plays at London’s The Other Palace Studio Theatre until 9 July. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara