Coming soon: Scouts! The Musical
We can’t deny that there are moments when we’d like to burst into song about how absolutely amazing Scouts is. Although we sometimes do that round our campfires and at Scout gang shows, it’s not every day that someone asks to make a musical all about us, which is exactly what’s happened.
Sam Cochrane and David Fallon have written an all singing, all dancing new show called Scouts! The Musical and it’s coming to London’s West End this year. Created by the award winning Gigglemug Theatre, in partnership with Scouts, we’re sure Scouts! The Musical is going to be a hit.
We chatted with Sam Cochrane, to find out more.
A surprise
‘I was kind of surprised it hadn’t been done before,’ says Sam, about the idea of a Scouts musical. ‘I don’t know when the idea came to me, I just thought Scouts should be a show.’
There’s no doubt that Scouts is a great subject for a musical. Is the show based on Sam’s experience in Scouts? ‘I wasn’t in the Scouts,’ Sam explains, ‘but David, who I write the show with, was. I had this idea and friends said, ‘You need to meet David, he’s so fun and perfectly encapsulates everything the Scouts is.’
David and Sam met, and it wasn’t long before Scouts! The Musical was born.
A lockdown project
Sam explains that he and David started writing in 2019, but the bulk of the show was written in 2020 during the lockdown.
‘I don’t think, with David, we’ve ever had a day of writing in person,’ explains Sam. ‘We’ve always done it remotely.’
Of course, Scouts know all about getting on with things during the lockdown, many groups met online when they couldn’t meet in person.
You’ll know, no matter how far you go, when you are feeling low, you’ll always be at home. Even though life can sometimes be pretty tough, when you feel like you’ve had enough, with a friend by your side, you’re at home.
‘Home’ by Sam Cochrane and David Fallon
‘One of the central themes is the feeling of ‘Home’ that being a Scout brings,’ Sam continues, ‘It doesn’t matter where you are, you could be on an isolated mountain, as long as you’re with your Scout friends, then you’re at home.’
‘Home’ also happens to be the title of one of Scouts! The Musical’s most hummable songs: ‘pop music’ with a ‘campfire feel’ as Sam puts it.
Here’s a special remote performance of ‘Home’ from Scouts! The Musical.
A story to remember
The musical’s plot follows Scouts, Joe and Ayesha, as they compete, learn skills and earn badges at the Scout Games, with the help of Scout volunteer Dylan. ‘It’s about their struggle and their relationship as they compete,’ explains Sam.
Here’s a promise we can keep, when the mountain’s looking steep. Yes, be brave but don’t pretend, when you need help, wait and ask a friend to climb to the top and to pull you up too. These are your skills for life.
‘Skills for Life’ by Sam Cochrane and David Fallon
‘Then everything gets turned on its head when a character called Charlotte tries to sabotage the competition,’ says Sam. ‘It’s down to Ayesha and Joe to use the skills they’ve learned to save the Scouting world and also the World at large. There’s a lot at stake.’ We’d have to agree, it certainly sounds that way!
West End run
The West End run of the show will take place from 20 June to 2 July at The Other Palace, with a professional adult cast.
‘We’d love to get as many Scouts in the audience as possible,’ says Sam. ‘Parts of the show are interactive, so it may end up with some audience members up on stage. It’s going to be very exciting’.
Beyond London
So, what’s the plan for Scouts! The Musical after this year’s run? ‘One day, we’d also love to see it performed outside. Can you imagine?’ Sam smiles.
We’d have to agree, an open-air theatre would seem the perfect venue for a musical about Scouts.
Watch this space
Thanks to Sam Cochrane for giving us a glimpse of what’s to come with Scouts! The Musical. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated on the show’s journey to the West End. We can’t wait!
Here's everything you need to know about dates, times and prices.
Dates: 20 June - 2 July 2023
Tickets: from £18.00
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Age recommendation: 6+
Trigger warnings: Audience participation
Get tickets to Scouts! The Musical.
For more from Gigglemug Theatre, see their website.