About the West Wirral Gang Show

Who?

Our 100 strong Cast are all members of the Scout or Guide Movements belonging to Groups or Units within the West Wirral Scout District or the three Guide Divisions that fall within it's boundary, namely Arrowebrook, Deeside, and West Divisions.
We also welcome some Cast Members from our neighbours and friends in Wallasey Scout District, in whose area the Floral Pavilion Theatre resides.
Similarly, the vast majority of our Production Team are also active Leaders in the Districts/Divisions above, supplemented by one or two willing(?) volunteers from parents of cast members.

What?

Put simply, we stage a spectacular Gang Show each alternate year, usually in the latter half of the week commencing Easter Monday.
Of course, there is a lot more to it than that; the Production Team and Committee start work 18 months before each Show leading up to Auditions in the November preceding the Show, a first Cast Get-together before Christmas with weekly Rehearsals commencing early in January.
The 'Gang Show' is a form of entertainment unique to Scouting (and, now, Guiding), thanks to the original creation of the late Ralph Reader, CBE.
In keeping with Ralph's original concept, our Show includes large and spectacular Choral numbers, with soloists and dancers where appropriate, blended with Comedy items.  Our 2010 Show will continue the trend set by our previous 4 Shows which (we like to think) moved the format into the 21st Century.
For more information concerning Gang Shows please click here>>

Why?

Obviously because we want to provide a highly entertaining Show for our paying customers produced to 'professional' standards. But there are several other equally (or, perhaps, more) important reasons. For the Cast, particularly our 100 youngsters, it is often their first experience of appearing before a large audience and they learn many new skills including Stagecraft, Choral Singing, and Movement plus Teamwork and Discipline.
They gain a lot of self-confidence too! For the Production Team, there is a great sense of achievement and pride, especially when they see the result of all their hard work pleasing the audience and compare this happy, self-confident, 'Gang' with the group of individuals who turned up at the first Rehearsal. For all concerned, it is great FUN (despite all the hard work!) and, of course, it is excellent publicity for Scouting & Guiding in our area.

Key Facts

Current Cast: TBC
Current Venue: The Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight
Director: Pete Ledson
Musical Director: Peter Carter

History:
Total Shows: 12
Total Performances: 46
First Show: 1990
Founding Groups: Hilbre & 1st Great Meols

Past WW Gang Shows:
1990 - Hilbre High School
1991 - Hilbre High School
1992 - Hilbre High School
1993 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
1994 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
1996 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
1998 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
2000 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
2002 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
2004 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
2006 - Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
2008 - Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight
2010 - The Mosslands School
2012 - Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight