Gang Shows, a beloved tradition within the Scouting movement, trace their origins back to England in 1932, when Ralph Reader first conceived the idea. Reader’s vision was to bring Boy Scouts together on stage, engaging them in a variety show that featured song, dance, skits, and more. The shows were not only a form of entertainment but also a means to instill confidence and teach new skills—principles at the very heart of the Scouting ethos. The name “Gang Show” itself stems from the phrase “the gang’s all here,” emphasising the camaraderie and teamwork that are central to the Scouting experience.

Ralph Reader, who was deeply involved in the Scouting movement, wrote many of the original songs used in these traditional shows. His contributions laid the foundation for what would become a cherished tradition, not just in the United Kingdom but across the world. The core of the Gang Show was, and remains, about more than just entertainment; it’s about teaching young people new skills and helping them build confidence in themselves—not just in traditional Scouting skills like knots and bushcraft, but in performance, teamwork, and creativity.

Over the years, Gang Shows have evolved, with many groups around the world adapting the format to suit their own cultures and audiences. While the basic principles remain the same, the shows today often include a blend of Reader’s original music and new selections chosen by the groups. This evolution has allowed the Gang Show tradition to stay relevant and engaging for new generations of Scouts.

In Australasia, approximately 30 different cities and areas continue to put on Gang Shows. Some of these shows stick closely to the traditional format, while others, like the one in Waikato, New Zealand, have taken a more modern approach. The Waikato show, for instance, has moved away from the traditional format, opting instead to tell a story that resonates more with their audience, which is essential given their limited base.

Originally, Gang Shows were exclusively for Boy Scouts, but in recent years, Girl Guides have also been welcomed into the fold. This inclusion has proven fortuitous, especially for the Waikato show, which currently boasts a cast that is 60% Guides and 40% Scouts. As Scouting has evolved to include all genders, so too has the Gang Show, with this year’s production featuring six boys. The show, loosely based on “The Wizard of Oz” but with significant changes, reflects this modern, inclusive approach.

With 19 musical numbers, securing the rights from five different organisations was a challenging task, made even more complicated when one organisation refused permission at the last minute, necessitating a quick replacement and re-teaching of the music.

Ross Murphy (right) has been involved with Riverlea Theatre since it’s move to Riverlea Road and has appeared on stage many times as a performer.  It was only natural that he looked to Riverlea to stage the first Gang Show in 2005 with a performance of “Doors”.

Traditionally, the age group for Gang Shows has been 10.5 years and older. However, over the last three shows, the Waikato production team introduced a junior cast, aged 8.5 years and up, who typically perform in Act One. For example, in 2018, the juniors played the nine dwarfs in a production of “Snow White.” This year, after a long hiatus, the show attracted nearly 20 juniors and 30 seniors. Managing such a large and diverse cast could have been a logistical nightmare, but by elevating some juniors to the senior cast (with parental approval), they were able to strike a balance. The final cast consisted of 48 members, with 14 juniors, and an overall average age of just eleven years.

While the format and content have evolved to meet the needs of modern audiences, the core principles of teaching, building confidence, and fostering teamwork remain at the heart of every performance. The Waikato Gang Show is a testament to this enduring tradition, showcasing how a modern, inclusive approach can keep the spirit of the Gang Show alive for future generations.

Photo: Ken Wedgwood (left) Chairman and (right) Ross Murphy Writer/Director and both Scouting Associates

07/09/2024