REVIEW: SCOUTS! The Musical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 21-22 June 2025
‘Dastardly doings and silliness galore at a Scouts’ jamboree’ ★★★★
Scouts from around the world have gathered to compete at the annual Scouts Games, but Faye Kename, aka Charlotte, has a devious plot to scupper things. It’s up to Joe and Eliza to save the day. Scouts! The Musical may have a plot thinner than rice paper, but the plot is not the point. Excellent musicianship, fast paced storytelling and high energy musical numbers are what this show is about. The nod to The Rocky Horror Show in the “Trance Dance” was very funny for those in the know.
The cast did an excellent job of keeping the audience engaged and entertained. Their ensemble work was top notch. Not only were they well matched vocally, their generosity towards each other, knowing when to ramp up their energy and when to hold back to allow others to shine, was a delight to witness. Many of them played multiple musical instruments, handing guitars, the keyboard and drumkit over to each other seamlessly.
Shout out to Emily Kitchingham, who played the villain of the piece superbly and effortlessly brought a range of vocal colours to her singing. Katie Pritchard’s physical comedy as Rosie was excellent. It was a shame that Kemi Clarke as Scout Leader Dylan did not get more time in the limelight, as when he was at the centre of the action his energy and stage presence were captivating.
I did feel sorry for Heather Gourdie as the narrator. Her role seemed superfluous to needs and the show would have done better without it – no reflection on Gourdie at all, who was clearly a strong performer. The musical balance was off too, with the music way too loud, leaving the singers struggling to be heard at points, even though they were belting out their numbers.
The show I saw was packed with Scouts and their leaders, who seemed to be having a great time, but even as someone who has never been a scout or a girl guide, the humour was clear and the ethos of the Scouts shone through.
Scouts! The Musical is well worth catching if it comes your way.
Scouts! The Musical by Giggulmug Comedy at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 21-22 June 2025, https://upstairsatthegatehouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173661614
Also at The Egg Theatre in Bath (26th - 29th June). All tickets are available here: https://linktr.ee/TheGigglemug
Cast: Eleanor Fransch, Burhan Kathawala, Kemi Clarke, Katie Pritchard, Emily Kitchingham, Rob Gathercole & Heather Gourdie
Directed by Sam Cochrane
Musical Direction by Rob Gathercole
Book & Lyrics by Sam Cochrane
Music & Lyrics by David Fallon
Lighting Design by Damian Robertson
Set Lauren Jones, Iza Fordham, Emily Cave, Aleyna Feran, Abbie Hardcastle, Ema Cunha
Reviewer: Srabani Sen
Srabani is a theatre actress and playwright. As an actress she has performed at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (The Globe), the Arcola, Southwark Playhouse, The Pleasance and numerous fringe theatres, in a range of roles from Shakespeare to plays by new and emerging writers. She has written several short and full length plays. Her play Tawaif was longlisted for the ETPEP Finborough award, and her play Vijaya was shortlisted for the Sultan Padamsee Playwrights Award in Mumbai.
