SCOUTS, Guides, Brownies and Cubs across Berkshire are gearing up for a show stopping Gangshow.
The traditional February half-term treat takes place at South Hill Park in Bracknell next week and it’s an epic production that even Spartacus director Stanley Kubrick would have admired.
More than 180 cast and crew – comprising Scouts from across the Thames Valley – have been rehearsing since last September for this year’s event.
Now in its 48th year, Beavers from a number of troops will also be on stage for the two-hour show along with leaders.
It’s called Kidz in Koncert and organisers say that the youngsters will entertain audiences with a variety show filled with fun, laughter, songs and dance.
And, being a junior production, organisers promise that it will be suitable for all the family.
But it’s no amateur turn-up and hope for the best event. It’s slick and professional – but no wonder as preparations started just weeks after the curtain came down on last year’s production.
Auditions for the popular event started in July last year with the cast of just under 100, rehearsing every Sunday.
Among the sets for the hugely popular show are a Harry Potter tribute and a Greatest Showman extravaganza.
Pauline Jordan who takes over this year as the Gangshow producer praised the cast for their “hard work and immense talent”.
“It has been hard being the producer for the first time but it is also an enormous privilege,” she said.
“They have given up their Sunday afternoons for months now to perfect the show which as always is a variety show with lots of laughs and great songs.
“As well as the cast, there are around 80 people working behind the scenes in make-up, costumes, lights and many other areas. I want to give a big thank you to everyone involved.”
Gangshows date back to the 1930s, and during the past 90 years a host of well-known names took part, when they were Scouts.
They include Sir Harry Secombe, Sir Richard Attenborough, Peter Sellers, Max Bygraves, Spike Milligan, Dick Emery and Tony Hancock.
The Gangshow runs from Tuesday, February 19 to Saturday February 23.
The curtain goes up each evening at 7.30pm and there are two shows on the Saturday.
Tickets, which are going fast, can be obtained from the theatre. For more details, visit www.southhillpark.org.uk or call 01344 484123.
