Jihad: The Musical

The first surprise about Jihad – The Musical is that it really is a musical.

The cheerful opening number is about how good it is to live in Jalalabad. It's really more about the fact that at least it's not somewhere worse, and that's the second surprise – just how precise and funny the numbers are.

That's down to Benjamin Scheuer and Zoe Samuel, who between them wrote the sharp lyrics. Scheur is also the show's composer, music director and its leading man, giving a delectable performance as Sayid, the Candide-like innocent abroad, flower grower and potential martyr. This is a genuinely talented young man.

There's a deliciously cheap and cheerful feel to the show which sometimes even feels like the Afghanistan answer to the slick Broadway musical. It often feels as though it has a cast of thousands, or at least dozens. In fact there are only seven but they fill the stage with movement under the direction of Evan Cabnet.

In contrast to Sayid's innocence is the smooth deceit of Sorab Wadia's chief terrorist (big number: I Wanna Be Like Osama), who's also a mean mover. He's matched by the wonderfully named Foxy Redstate (big number: Have I Got News For You), the would-be news anchorwoman who's not averse to fixing the news. She comes in the shape of Emily McNamara – a shape that Foxy's always showing off – all blazing red costume and blazing white teeth. She dominates the stage whenever she's on it

Sayid himself gets the big love song, addressed to rigidly fundamentalist Noor. In the circumstances, I Only See Your Eyes, is the literal truth. It's the group numbers that really stand out; the best of which is The Jihad Jive.

Is it all in bad taste? Only in the best possible way. Is it controversial? Not as much as blowing things up or engaging in an illegal war ought to be. Is it a fit subject for a musical? Probably not, but when it's as well done as this it sweeps all doubts aside.

I didn't expect much from it but I got an intelligent, witty, late night treat of a show.