The Origin of Gangshow
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It is often said every night of the year, somewhere around the world a Gang Show is performed. Every show shares a common bond, goal, and a special Gang Show spirit. It roots go back to the early thirties in London. On October 30, 1932, the curtain of the Scala Theatre in London rose to show a stage filled with boys and young men in Scout uniforms singing prophetically, "We're Off".
The entire show - music, lyrics, sketches and production was the work of a Holborn Rover, Ralph Reader, who agreed to write and produces a show to raise funds for London Scouts. Earlier that year, a group of young people rehearsed untiringly in a drill hall to bring their show to fruition. The show opened with borrowed scenery and costumes. While the Scala Theatre was large and the audience was small, the enthusiasm was immense. When our founder, Lord Baden-Powell, attended the second performance, he realised what a valuable experience the performing arts could provide to young people. As with many great things, the Gang Show name arose accidentally. One night, during rehearsals of the original show, Ralph Reader received a message that a title for the show had to be decided that evening. The cast has taken a break. As they reassembled to continue rehearsing, Ralph asked one of the boys, "Are they all here?" In a Cockney accent the boy replied, "Aye Skip, the gang's all here." "The Gang's all here!" replied Ralph, "That was the title I had been looking for." And so the Gang Show name was born with credit for the belonging to an unknown London lad. The London Gang Show grew from strength to strength. A film was even made about the show. It commanded a Royal Variety Performance - the first given to amateur players. During the war years, the London Gang Show had to cease production. However, Ralph Reader established 25 RAF Gang Show units. Gang Shows were even produced in POW camps. In 1950, the London Gang Show returned to London, remaining until its final curtain came down in 1974. For 42 years, Ralph Reader put his creative genius into Scouting and left a wonderful legacy for others. Read more about Melbourne Gang Show's history here |
 Melbourne Gang Show 58 years and still growing strong |
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