Edinburgh Fringe 2025
The Uncrackable Case
Front Room Productions and Lawrence Batley Theatre
Genre: Musical Theatre, New Writing
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard Pleasance Two
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
A fairytale courtroom caper with a talented cast and fun premise.
Review
The Uncrackable Case is a light-hearted musical that blends the drama of a courtroom procedural with modern day versions of whimsical characters from the fairytale world. Jill or ‘and Jill’ of Jack and Jill fame as she is frequently called by others, is in the dock, facing charges of turning the pompous and self-involved influencer, Humpty Dumpty, into an omelette via a suspicious fall. Did she do it though? It sets up a fun premise, though the stakes never really rise high enough for the plot to grip in the way a proper whodunnit might.
The set of The Uncrackable Case has an almost Quentin Blake-esque feel; cartoonish and full of personality with two podiums and a central block that each double as handy prop stores for the many mid-show costume changes. A small screen also sits atop the main structure, providing captions, which is a lovely nod to inclusivity.
There is plenty of charm in the delivery. The cast are clearly talented and work seamlessly together, bringing an infectious energy, singing with confidence and mastering some very tight harmonies. Together they keep the pace moving briskly and the movement work is also polished and clearly well-rehearsed. It’s obvious the performers are enjoying themselves.
Tonally there is some knowing wordplay, puns and courtroom humour that feels aimed at older viewers but it also feels as though it is not quite pitched at kids either. With some broader physical gags and the occasional simple joke here and there, it could easily achieve that dual layered feel. Currently it ends up in a curious middle ground. Not challenging enough to be a light show for adults and not silly enough to fully capture the attention of the young. Perhaps the show could lean fully into the darker side of the fairytale setting.
This is a small criticism as it is clearly a very good show. If you take a child to see it, I think they will enjoy it and appreciate it. The music is excellent and gives the performers an opportunity to shine with a mix of energetic ensemble pieces and some memorable solos. The direction is slick and effective. There is something reminiscent of the musical Honk! in the anthropomorphic playfulness and twee atmosphere, which adds to the overall charm. A solid and entertaining musical.
