Theatre: Jet Set Go!
Full-on cheese was on the menu at the ADC last night in Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger’s Jet Set Go! From being ushered to their seats by the cast in full Ryan Air-style uniforms, to the final dance routine, the audience were treated to a fabulous feast of camp. A talented cast ensured the charm did not grate, as the crowd were swept into the world of this unashamedly kitsch musical, and loved every minute of it.

The principle is simple: the show follows the love-lives of a transatlantic cabin crew on new girl Melanie’s (Jessica Jupp) first international flight. On board, she encounters a series of caricatures, from the loveable first officer Paul (Will Karani) to the arrogant and sarcastic pilot Jim (Michael Cotton). The characters show little development as the show progresses, but frankly, who cares when the whole thing is so much fun?
The cast of eight demonstrated their range of talents in a polished performance. The dance routines were impressively tight, with particular credit going to Jessica Jupp and Will Karani for their surprisingly fancy footwork in 'Dance With Me'. Yet Jet Set Go! is not just brash and cheesy; it is also genuinely funny - air steward Ryan in particular is awarded some of the best lines and Jack Mosedale relished his role, managing to combine extreme camp with bitter sarcasm, to the delight of the audience.
The strongest element of the show, however, was doubtlessly the vocal ability of all involved: okay, the musical numbers did not appear technically difficult, but the effortless shifts between dialogue and song displayed impressive vocal flexibility, and the clear delivery brilliantly conveyed the comic element of the songs. All the cast excelled in both solo and group numbers, but the stand-out performance was Hayley’s 'A Simple Valley Song', in which Rosie Brown stretched the natural comedy of the Welsh accent to its full extent, with Ruth Jones-esque aplomb.
A couple of technical issues with microphones occasionally marred the exuberant vocals, yet this had little effect on the audience’s appreciation of the show who left the auditorium grinning and humming the very catchy 'Welcome Aboard'. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking piece of high art, you won’t find it here: but if you want an alternative to that late-night essay crisis, or to banish the memories of that disastrous Rag blind date - Jet Set Go! is the perfect antidote.
News / Uni may allow resits for first time
24 May 2025Comment / Not all state schools are made equal
26 May 2025Fashion / Degree-influenced dressing
25 May 2025News / Students clash with right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Union
20 May 2025News / Clare fellow reveals details of assault in central Cambridge
26 May 2025