74th GANG SHOW

Good to be back at the Gang Show, a true delight – musically good, with so much colour in costumes and lighting, a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.  Backcloths were all colourful and props well thought-out.  Sound was a little suspect at times.

The sheer numbers of people involved never ceases to amaze me, 149 young people on stage, and probably the same number of adult volunteers behind the scenes, a feat of organisation and commitment every year.

A good opening, which was imaginatively lit, I liked the reversing of the waistcoats from gold to colours, a speedy costume change.  Elise Wilson showed presence and a strong voice in her solo.  There were some different moves incorporated in the first set, and throughout in the ensemble numbers.  I was particularly impressed by Toby Martin, his face was bright and lively throughout, good stage presence.

On the Town was excellent – Billy Montgomery, Samual Barber and Maxton Brewer projected well and put the right emphasis where required, very impressive.

I loved Stripes United – the concept of a hive born out by the bees being on the move all the time, so perceptive and great costumes.  Kit McGrandle and Aria Pritchard led with very strong vocals and speech – with other soloists adding charm and conveying a message – very well done.

Weather or Not incorporated a good range of weather-related numbers, with colourful costumes.  Ralph Brooks and Bea Grant occupants of the weather house, were supported by a good dance ensemble.  I really enjoyed Annabel Lee’s solo, a difficult song, well-sung.  Particularly good choreography for Walking on Sunshine.

Rock of Aged was a super concept – the effect of older people getting involved in different forms of dance made it a really fun set – great!

Jonah Giles opened the Open Doors set with a good solo, Chloe Travers and Ella Burridge creating a charming duo.  Lizzie Kennedy sung her solo beautifully, backed by dancers Matilda Johnson and Ella Burridge, and a singing trio. 

The Ring benefitted from a super Ringmaster in James Bonner, and the Strongmen were very funny, but I felt overall the quartet, were a little tentative and not entirely comfortable.  Ella Montgomery and Bella Thomas sang their solos well, and this was a good set.  I liked the elephant!

Antique Antics, incorporating members of the audience was good, although there were some mic problems the night I attended.  Matilda Johnson and Margo Speirs did a good job.

Welcome to the Jungle had some very imaginative animal/bird costumes, Freya Barker sang well, and the Three Little Birds were fun.  How great to see the guys tap dancing number continued, not the easiest but I thought they really bought into it and gave their all – very well done guys.

Liars Anonymous was another good sketch.

D.I.S.C.O. started with a bang and really got our attention, with the dancers all buying into the concept and performing an effective set.

You Cannot Be Serious was excellent – I was very impressed with the level of competence from the players!  The ball on a stick was nicely achieved!

So, on to the finale – Oscar York and Lizzie Kennedy opened proceedings, with solos from Anneka Wrentmore, Isobel Pickford-Cook and Eleanor Pagan, and that super swell of sound from the entire cast for all the songs that the audience loved joining in with.

Another imaginative production, with some fine performances.  Well done to everyone involved.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3
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