Gang Show is back in town!
Edinburgh Gang Show 2022opened at the Festival Theatre on Tuesday and it was an amazing return of the Gang!
Over the past few months, the Gang have been meeting weekly to rehearse the musical items, dancing and sketches so that everything was ready for the earlier than normal show week. As well as rehearsing the Gang was called to costume calls and the ceremonial presentation of the coveted Gang Show red necky.
This occasion brings together the Main Gang and adult volunteers to learn about the history of the Gang Show, of its founder Ralph Reader CBE and how the format of the show spread around the world before being started in Edinburgh in 1960. This year there were speeches from current cast member Honor Dobbie, former cast member and Wardrobe Team member (Gang Show ASU) Charlotte Jackson and long-time member of the Gang, Murray Bald. They all spoke eloquently about their involvement and how being part of the Gang has changed their lives and their wish that the Gang of 2022 will go on to make memories and enjoy the whole Gang Show experience.
Regional Commissioner Martin Elliot and County Commissioner Lindsey Devin also spoke to the Gang offering thanks and encouragement for the week ahead. The Edinburgh Gang Show is a major programme activity for South East Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh and the joint activity is a long-standing and excellent example of working collaboratively for the benefit of both organisations.
After the speeches some 88 new members of the Gang were presented with their own red necky and formally invested/enrolled into the Gang Show. And then it was rehearsal time!
Over the weekend the Gang Show operation really ramped up as there was the Band Call, a run through, the get-in and fit up at the theatre, the costumes unpacked and ironed, then the lighting and sound was installed as well as the the front of house preparations and ongoing publicity.
All eyes were on 7pm Tuesday 1 November and it was with great excitement that the house opened at 6.30pm and the auditorium started to fill with Packs, Troops, Units, friends, family, guests, VIPs, general public and at 7pm the house lights dimmed and the band struck up with ‘The Jamboree Overture’ and after a long three year break – the Gang Show was back!
If you are reading this on Saturday 5th November, then the show has two more performances to go so if you are quick you can still get tickets by calling the Capital Theatres Box Office on 0131 529 6000 or by going online at Edinburgh Gang Show 2O22 (capitaltheatres.com)
A full report about the Edinburgh Gang Show 2022 will be in the next newsletter!
The Edinburgh Gang Show 2022 Team
South East Scotland Scouts
71 Bonaly Road
Edinburgh
EH13 0PB
© SES Scouts 2022 | Scottish Charity SC010563
