TV producer praises Scouts over successful Chester Gang Show

Over 100 local Scouts, leaders and volunteers came together at the Vanbrugh Theatre within The King’s School to create the latest incarnation of the show, which was first performed in Chester Cathedral Refectory back in 1953.

On Wednesday, the show was attended by The Lord Mayor of Chester Councillor John Leather, and Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond.

Chester Gang Show welcomed Sir Phillip Redmond CBE, who praised Scouts for their efforts.

Lady Redmond was also joined by her husband Sir Phillip Redmond CBE, the celebrated TV producer and screenwriter famous for shows such as Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks.

Speaking to the Scouts after the show, Sir Phillip had some encouraging words of advice for the young performers: "You did a great thing! Well done everybody! And when you do something like this, when you take part in something like this, when it all goes well, doesn’t it feel great?

"What a great feeling it is, being under the bright lights, and having a bunch of people standing up clapping for you. Remember that feeling, and keep that with you, wherever you go."

Each night, the show opened with the gang singing and dancing their way through the uplifting Coldplay song 'A Sky Full of Stars,' setting the scene for an exciting evening.

Chester Gang Show was once again a big success.

Next up, ‘A Message Home’ retold the classic Allan Sherman comedy song 'Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A letter from Camp)' reflecting on the challenges of the show’s rehearsals which had begun back in September last year.

Cutloose was an energetic dance item performed by the older Scouts, featuring great rhythms and fancy footwork. This was quickly followed by 'Juniors’ Farm' which was the traditional Cub and Beaver sketch. The tale was set at an annual country show, with scarecrows, bee-keepers, milk-maids and young farmers performing a succession of singalong action songs and humorous ‘dad jokes.’

The Beavers also had the audience in tears of laughter as they rattled through their farm animal costume changes at the end of a fast-paced rendition of 'Old McDonald.'

The first half closed with the older gang members taking on 'Just Sing,' an engaging romp through various musical genres with a powerful message of respecting differences whilst staying true to oneself. The songs 'Live while we’re young' by One Direction and 'Just Sing' from Trolls World Tour fitted the story perfectly, and the excellent lighting, scenery and costumes gave a professional edge to the performance.

Chester Gang Show was once again a big success.

The second half opened with an infectious dance-number 'Dancin’ Fool' from the Broadway Musical Copacobana. The young performers lit up the theatre with their energy and enthusiasm, and handled the technically complex choreography with ease; a testament to the skill of talented local dance teacher Kelly Stevens who had worked with them over several months.

'Have a Nice Day (Oh!)' gave Colette McManus a chance to showcase her vocal talents, and 'Slap it on' was an amusing sketch performed by Colette and fellow Scout network member Alex Morris-Coker, based on a shopping channel beauty care demonstration.

'Tales from the Woods' was the centre piece of the second half, told as a traditional pantomime borrowing themes from classical fairy tales. Dan (the Dame), Esme (Little Red Riding Hood), Grace and Cameron (Beauty and the Beast), and Alvaro and Phoebe (Hansel and Gretel) were all perfectly cast in their roles, and gave impressive and confident performances.

The show closed with the Gang singing ‘Punk Rock Songs’ followed by an enthusiastic rendition of the traditional number 'Crest of a Wave,' with the whole audience joining in and on their feet with applause.

Chester Gang Show producer Keith Harding said: “Gang Show is such a positive experience for our young people and we’re exceedingly proud of each and every one of them. We’re also so grateful to the many volunteers who have helped make it possible, and to the parents and our audiences who have supported the show.

"Seeing the fun that the Scouts have had, and the teamwork skills and confidence they have gained are what make it such a rewarding thing to be a part of. We can’t wait for the next show!”