Sabrina Messer is plays Katherine in Gigglemug Theatre’s latest show, A Jaffa Cake Musical. She plays the badass barrister representing HMRC in the tribunal and has previously worked with Gigglemug on Timpson: The Musical. We caught up with them to find out more about their new project.
STARBURST: How would you pitch A Jaffa Cake Musical to a staunch fan of Chocolate Hobnobs?
Sabrina Messer: Well, I’d say you’re about to discover your new favourite biscuit! Or is it a cake…? You’ll have to come and find out, won’t ya! No, but seriously, you don’t even need to like Jaffa Cakes to enjoy this show – just please make sure you bring a sense of humour.
How did this come about? Why Jaffa Cakes?
I asked myself that same question, and when I couldn’t find the answer, I went to our writer/composer, Sam Cochrane, because surely he’d know, right? So, to quote Sam, “It’s the nation’s favourite snack, and it’s about to be the nation’s favourite show!”. Alright, Sam… calm down.
How similar is this to your other works like RuneSical or Timpson: The Musical?
This show has Gigglemug’s signature zaniness, that’s for sure! Like the others, it’s also completely family-friendly and very, very silly. And if you’ve seen RuneSical or Timpson: The Musical, then you might recognise some familiar characters.
You’ve been called the UK version of StarKid. How accurate is this?
Now, you see, I’m biased because I happen to think we’re pretty darnn good. With that in mind, I’d say that’s accurate.
What’s the best bit of A Jaffa Cake Musical?
That’s tricky because it really does have something for everyone – we dance, we sing, we act our socks off, and not to give any spoilers, but there are some pretty awesome props and set pieces… We believe that if we’re having the maximum amount of fun onstage then the audience will too.
Seriously though, are they cakes or biscuits?
If I couldn’t tell, I’d get fired. We do actually give you a definitive answer in the show, so come and find out what it is!
Why the Edinburgh Fringe?
Being in the same city as like-minded people with stories to tell, there’s nothing else like it. I can’t wait to be back after SIX years away!
What was the most challenging part of the production?
The show is all-sung, which means there are 30 songs in total! It was a lot to learn in a short space of time but we did it, and it’s sounding awesome!
Why do we love musicals so much?
They’re like plays, but with additional bangers, how could we not love them?! Anyone who says they don’t like musicals is lying, or hasn’t seen A Jaffa Cake Musical yet…
What other projects would you love to be involved with?
I’d love to do more comedy, specifically improv!
Simpsons or Futurama?
I grew up on the Simpsons, so that’s a no brainer!
Doctor Who or Doctor No?
Doctor Who – apart from the Weeping Angels, whoever wrote that episode is a genius but a terrible person! – but maybe that’ll be my next Halloween costume…
Full Moon or Total Eclipse?
Full moon – awhoooo! – but when it comes to Jaffa Cakes… Total eclipse!
Truth or Beauty?
To tell you the truth… Beauty 😉
A Jaffa Cake Musical can be found at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 1st through to the 26th. Tickets for A Jaffa Cake Musical can be found here.
