Credit: Ben Wilkin
Is it a biscuit, or is it a cake? The question has divided households for decades, but in Jaffa Cake The Musical it’s the spark for one of the most entertaining legal showdowns you’ll ever see on stage. Based on the real-life HMRC vs Jaffa Cake tax case, this wonderfully absurd premise is transformed into a warm, witty, and irresistibly fun musical that celebrates both the joy of theatre and the sheer silliness of British bureaucracy.
From the moment the opening number bursts into life, the energy is infectious. The cast don’t just act — they play live instruments, switch seamlessly between roles, and fill the stage with personality. It’s a rare pleasure to see musicians so fully integrated into the storytelling, not hidden away in a pit but right there in the action, adding an extra layer of charm to the performance.
The humour is sharp but good-natured, with jokes that land for both children and adults. Legal jargon and courtroom antics are delivered with a knowing wink. The pacing is strong overall, though there’s a small lull in the scenes leading up to the final court verdict. That said, the anticipation it builds makes the finale all the more satisfying — a jubilant resolution that leaves the audience cheering.
Visually, the show is as well-crafted as it is well-written. The staging is simple but colourful, with inventive props and playful touches that bring the story to life without overshadowing the performances. The choreography is lively, the musical arrangements are tight, and there’s a real sense of cohesion in how the whole piece has been designed.
The audience on the day I attended was a complete cross-section — families, students, retirees — and every single person seemed to be having a brilliant time. It’s rare to find a show that can genuinely appeal to such a wide age range without compromising on wit or quality, but Jaffa Cake The Musical manages it effortlessly. You could feel the warmth in the room, the laughter building from one gag to the next, and the shared delight in a story that, let’s face it, only Britain could face.
For me, this was a personal Fringe highlight. Having missed it last year, I made it a mission to catch it this time, and it exceeded my expectations. It’s expertly performed, tightly directed, and absolutely packed with feel-good moments.
If you want something bright, funny, and irresistibly feel-good — something that will have you grinning all the way out of the theatre — this is it.
★★★★★ + VAT – A tasty triumph and a must-see at this year’s Fringe.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-jaffa-cake-musical
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