North Devon Gang Show

Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple

Review: Muriel Moore

I HAVE to admit that my last and only visit to the Gang Show was at least 30 years ago, so on my second visit recently I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

Boy Scouts in khaki uniforms? Plenty of campfire type songs? Hearty renditions of Riding Along On A Crest Of A Wave? Well, it didn't take long to realise this is not the style of a 21st Century Gang Show.

The opening medley of songs, with enthusiastic actions, entitled Let's Live It Up by about 70 energetic performers of varying ages in blue sparkling costumes, set the tone for the night and "live it up" is exactly what they all did for the whole show.

The singing was superb throughout, both by the older and younger age groups and the various solo performers.

Two of my favourite songs, You Raise Me Up sung by the older group and a solo of I Dreamed A Dream, were particularly special, but the quality as a whole was of a very high standard, with a good variety of chosen songs. Voices came across "as one" in the group singing, even though the amount of words that had to be memorised were quite considerable.

Amusing sketches included a taste of 'Allo 'Allo!, Sherlock Holmes, and an hilarious phobia clinic, which was well received. These comic interludes gave the backstage brigade a chance to adjust or change scenery and costumes, which allowed continuous entertainment throughout the evening.

Four of the more mature male performers dressed in Tarzan-style outfits gave a slightly risqué version of Wild Thing complete with Mick Jagger type gyrations, and I'm pleased to say that our half of the theatre gave the best rendering of the Pizza Hut, KFC and McDonald's song – oh yes we did.

Special mention for the fantastic costumes – which I understand are made by a local team of ladies – for the excellent musical accompaniment, all the production team, all the performers and anyone who helped in any way to ensure polished performances. One of the songs entitled Tonight's Going To Be A Good Night was an ideal theme song. The finale, when the entire cast, leaders and all, were dressed in their various modern uniforms singing Riding Along On A Crest Of A Wave gave the enjoyable evening the touch of tradition I had envisaged. Hope I can go again next year.