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A Gang Show is an amateur theatrical performance, generally of a high standard, where the cast is made up of principally youth members of Scouts and Guides and a minority of adult leaders. more...

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The aim of the shows is to give young people in Scouting and Guiding the opportunity to develop performance skills and perform in a close to professional theatrical environment. Opportunities are also afforded to young people to work backstage, in front of house roles, and to perform as musicians in the show's musical items and in the orchestra.

Generally, youth members, adult leaders and volunteer helpers have to participate in many hours of planning, writing, composing, choreographing, building stage scenery and props, and making costumes stretching over several months before the actual performances. In order to reach what is perceived to be the required performance standard for a Gang Show, a high level of commitment is needed from all involved in the production and, to a marginally lesser extent, their families.

Frequently performances take place in commercial theatres (such as the New Theatre Oxford) over several days and are attended by the general public as well as participants' friends and families and other scouters and guiders.

Nothwithstanding the amateur nature of the Gang Show, the cost of mounting a show with acceptable production values capable of attracting the ticket buying public has required some shows to become quite commercial in character with financial sponsorship being canvassed from business houses and governments.

The Gang Show Format

The format of a Gang Show is generally that of a variety show and includes comedy skits traditionally quick-witted but lacking complexity, short routines or sketches, and musical and dance numbers frequently of some sophistication, usually with minimal plot cohesion across a show but sometimes conforming to an overall theme. For example, the 2006 Cumberland Gang Show, entitled A Moment to Shine, included, among 26 items in a show of two and a half hours duration, an adaptation of a Monty Python piece, original comedy sketches and comic songs (one involving a parody of Dame Edna Everage}, a tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen which included solo and ensemble renditons of the group's oeuvre with original arrangements as well as a traditional Gang Show finale.

The format was introduced by Ralph Reader, a young Rover Scout, who wrote the first Gang Show in 1932, to help raise money for a swimming pool. He went on to write many sketches and songs for Gang Shows including the signature tune We're Riding Along on the Crest of a Wave. Some other songs Ralph Reader wrote include Great Great Game, Gee it's a wonderful life, Silver on the Scarlet, Three Cheers, Show Time, and the majestic Scout Hymn.

Read more at Wikipedia.org