Dundee Scout Gang Show is back and a cast of all ages cannot wait to be on the Whitehall Theatre stage.
The variety event has been running for more than half a century.
It’s an annual highlight for those involved in the nine Scout groups which make up Dundee district.
And after a two-year absence due to Covid-19, the finishing touches are being put to the 2022 programme.
It will have a four-night run at the Whitehall from March 30 to April 2.
And the night of music, comedy and dance will pay special tribute to the heroes of the pandemic.
Days away from 2020 show when Covid struck
Dundee District Scouts chairman Paul Thomson says there is real excitement around the Gang Show’s return.
“We had our last Scout halls rehearsal at the weekend and we’ll move to the theatre for the final rehearsals before the show opens,” he said.
“Two years ago we had actually got to the same stage and were literally knocking on the theatre door when lockdown happened.
“It’s great to be back.
“We have reduced numbers slightly this year because of the pandemic situation, so we have about 60 involved compared to usually about 100.”
The cast ranges from six-year-old Beaver Scouts to Stuart Sellars, 69, a local group leader taking part in his 25th Gang Show.
Family ties
And for Paul, the entertainment-packed spectacle is very much a family affair.
“I’m now the Gang Show chairman and have been part of it as boy and man,” he said.
“I met my wife, Kirsty, through the show and she is now the wardrobe manager.”
And the couple’s three daughters, Rachel, 20, Zoe, 16 and 10-year-olds Hayley are all in this year’s cast.
Paul said: “This is our 54th show, but this is a special year since it is the 90th anniversary of the first Scout Gang Show being staged in London.
“And we’ve got six members of our cast going down to an anniversary show at the Apollo Theatre in London later this year.
“It’s such a big thing that they say there is a Gang Show going on somewhere in the world every day of the year.
“We’re just delighted to be back at the Whitehall and hope to get as many bums on seats as possible.”
The show takes place at 7:15pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and 5pm on Saturday.
Tickets can be booked through the Whitehall Theatre box office.
Gang Show origins
The first London Gang Show in 1932 was the brainchild of an anonymous ‘Holborn Rover’ and ran for three nights at the city’s Scala Theatre.
Its creator was later revealed as professional theatre dance director and performer Ralph Reade.
Gang Shows spread across Britain and were a sell-out success.
The London Gang Show was the first amateur company to appear in a Royal Command Performance in 1937.
And the Gang Show has accompanied the spread of Scouting across the globe.
