Edinburgh Gang Show 2017

Once again Gang Show triumphed with an evening of musical medleys, dance, comic sketches and solo performances delivered with skill and confidence by the cast of more than 200 youngsters brimming with enthusiasm, dedication and talent.

The show really is quite a spectacle with fabulous costumes, dazzling sets and lighting pertinent to each section. The opening section ‘That Could Be Me’ depicted a young man’s aspirations to be a Broadway star as he imagines himself performing roles in Les. Mis, Oliver. Billy Elliot and Lion King. This very neatly led into the ‘Imagination ‘section where we see a fantasy life through the eyes of children.

‘A Christmas Tale’ was a very very funny sketch on the nativity with well-played down to earth characters who really did ‘Sparkle and Shine’ particularly the diva star and endearing donkey. This was followed by a more subdued moving section ‘Listen’ where we were treated  to 3 very fine solo performances of difficult numbers from Les Mis. Hamilton and Dreamgirls.

The younger cast took us back to Oz with a charming, bouncy, colourful section entitled ‘One Short Day’

There is a wealth of talent in Gang Show and ‘Half A World Away’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger ‘were sung with total conviction by the two very strong male soloists backed by the company who finished off this section with a resounding ‘Man Was Born to Be Free.’

The slap stick sketch ‘The Orchestra’ displaying the antics of a somewhat disfunctional orchestra was well done. Fortunately this was unlike the very well controlled orchestra in the pit who were supportive of the singers and dancers .There was some superb orchestral arrangements throughout the show.

‘Applause’ for me was one of the stand out sections of the evening. Not only were the vocalists fabulous but the dance routines, set and costumes were quite stunning and brought the first half to a dazzling, glamorous conclusion. The synchronised clapping was very neatly done.

The choreography which opened Act 2 in ‘One Step Beyond’ was again quite thrilling. The long, non-stop dance routines to the music of Madness were fast and quite breath taking yet appeared so effortless to this lively, talented group of young people. A beautiful duet ‘Stay’ backed by graceful dancing was a calming contrast.

With panto season almost upon us, we were entertained by a most amusing adaption of Cinderella. All of the actors here were so natural and confident. The ugly sisters Theresa and Rurh really convinced us that they were ‘Bosom Buddies’.

‘Scottish Rock’ provided the opportunity to showcase the instrumental skills of some of the youngsters. ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ was very sweetly sung by the young lady who accompanied herself on the guitar while the electric guitar and bagpipes accompanied some very neat dancing and strong singing particularly the foot tapping ‘500 miles’

This year celebrates 50 years of girls in Gang Show and ‘There is Nothing Like a Guide’ was very amusing indeed. Loved Moira and her zimmer!!

The evening of fun, flare, frivolity and flamboyance was rounded off with the traditional finale where the cast proudly wearing their uniforms remember what being part of the Gang Show family means. This is always a very poignant part of the programme and the soloists in ‘These Are The Good Times’ and ‘Thankful’ sang with real sincerity. The discrete tribute to the late Gordon Blackburn with him singing a few bars of ‘These Are The Times’ was most fitting. ‘Riding Along On the Crest of a Wave’ lifted the spirits and had the animated audience singing along.

What is most apparent about Gang Show is the real sense of camaraderie, enthusiasm and enjoyment on stage with every youngster doing his or her utmost and giving their all. The opportunity given to these young people to learn stage skills and perform on a professional stage whilst developing confidence and the importance of team work is not only due to their own commitment and willingness to learn but to the huge efforts of the production and wardrobe team and the back-up team who support them. The dedication of all involved in putting together such a diverse production is immense and deserves recognition. Without this all round team effort on and off stage we would not have the pleasure of seeing what can only be described as a magnificent Gang Show. Congratulations!

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