Writer and director Sam Cochrane talks the return of family musical ‘Scouts!’: “Some of my favourite memories were audience members showing off their musical theatre talents”

The show returns to the stage for its third run, in a revised version featuring new scenes and numbers, as well as some recent additions to its cast. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of its creators, to learn more about the development of a piece that’s giving audiences a different kind of cabin fever.

How did the idea for this show come about?

I always wanted to create a show about the Scouts, as I felt it was such a strong concept. The Scouts are a big-hearted organisation all about adventure, so it just felt like the perfect subject matter for a musical! I was never actually involved myself but composer and co-lyricist of the show, David Fallon, was a Scout when he was younger – so it was great to write this musical from both perspectives.

The show is returning to the scene for its second season now. Has anything changed or evolved in it from a creative perspective?

I was very keen to expand the show for this run, it’s about twenty minutes longer – there’s new scenes, new songs and new jokes! For those who saw the original run at The Other Palace, the show still has its whacky yet heartfelt vibe but this time there’s a lot more to enjoy!

One of the standouts of the piece is its focus on delivering a compelling narrative. Do you think there’s a shortage of good-quality shows aimed at younger audiences? Has this show tried to fill that gap?

I wouldn’t say there’s a shortage of good-quality shows for young people, but I would say there are not many family-friendly comedy musicals – which is what we create! Gigglemug is all about musical comedies for people of all ages, and Scouts! The Musical, probably more than any other show we’ve made, really is for everyone!

What has the development process of this piece been like? 

David and I started writing this show in 2019 and eventually got it on its feet in 2023. As much as I adored the production we put on at The Other Palace, I knew it wasn’t the definitive version of the show. Since then, we’ve been rewriting the musical to make sure that this final run is exactly what we always dreamed it would be.

Did you find any particular challenges during that process?

We knew there would always be interactive elements; as the show is set at the fictional Scout Games, one of the earliest ideas was to have audience members involved in the challenges (don’t worry, we never get anyone onstage who doesn’t want to!). We could never really predict how audience members would react or respond until the show was on its feet, and adapted the script throughout its original run accordingly. That said, we were thrilled by how open audience members were to getting stuck in (and as we often ask Scout leaders, it really should have come as no surprise!). Some of my favourite memories from that first run were audience members showing off their musical theatre talents (which I don’t think even they were aware of!).

Are there any plans for any new kids show by Gigglemug?

We’re currently working on our next two productions which is really exciting! We’re moving away from the branded musicals and exploring more universal themes for these projects. I can’t say much but I think people will really love the new concepts which, combined with all the hilarity that people have come to expect from a Gigglemug show, will be really special.

Why come see Scouts!?

It’s a hilarious slice of escapism, which I think we all need right now! It’s witty, charming and has absolute bangers. Our cast are extraordinary and there is actor-musicianship like you’ve never seen before!

Read our review of Scouts! here!

Scouts! will tour around the UK from 3 to 29 June. Tickets and venue information are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara