Edinburgh Gang Show 2018

Gang Show is always one of my favourite productions. It is gratifying to see so many young people taking the time and showing commitment in order to be part of a thrilling week of spectacular entertainment. Watching these youngsters having so much fun on stage whilst displaying their considerable talents is a joy.

As always, the programme is a well balanced combination of song, dance and witty sketches. The opening section ‘Today’s the Day’ with the gradual build up of groups on stage until over 200 brownies, cubs, guides and scouts in their red and white costumes filled the stage was exuberant and got the show off to a lively, colourful start. Each section which followed was delivered with confidence and enthusiasm by all of the cast. ’A Star is Born’ was a fascinatingly funny ‘X Factor’ type routine and once again Honor Dobbie was that ‘endearing donkey’ who made a wonderful job of the Tony Award winner ‘Bigger.’

I was most impressed with the Junior Gang and ‘Like A Rainbow’. The willingness of these very young cast members to help each other to make sure they got it right was most evident. The fairly complex moves as they sang their colour related songs all worked well with the correct coloured T shirts grouped together at the right time. A most disciplined routine.

There are some very strong vocalists in this company who produced some captivating performances. Tatiana Honeywell’s ‘Hallellujah’ was a real tour de force displaying a maturity beyond her years. ’Rise Up’ in Act 2 where she backed a small group of lovely dancers had the audience enthralled. ‘21st Century Broadway’ provided the opportunity to showcase some interesting, lesser known numbers. Ailsa MacLean ‘In My Dreams’, Andrew Knowles ‘The Abduction’ and Ellie Cochrane’s ‘Monster’ were fabulous and I did enjoy the ‘Hamilton/Dear Evan Hansen mash up’ which was excellently put across by Cameron Kilgore. Katie Kistruck. Andrew Knowles and Ava McCaffer.

Act 2 opened with real glitz and glamour in ‘A Dream’ with fabulous costumes, set and staging. Matthew Knowles’ personality well matched his performance as ‘I Wanna Be A Producer’ and what a voice! I loved the men in tights too!. The entire company was most impressive in ‘Stars in Our Eyes’. ‘Waving Through the Window‘ is a beautiful number and Cameron Kilgore evoked feelings through the emotion of his performance. I think there were fewer sketches than in previous years . ‘The Rub Of The Green’ was very well scripted, very humerous with very well portrayed characters and more talented soloists - Alice Bailey and Sophie Martin. The company were still in full swing in ’Celebrate You’ backing a powerful ‘Raise You Up’ from Emma Clarkson and a most meaningful arrangement of ‘This Is Me’ led by Ellie Cochrane.

As well as fine soloists, I must congratulate the entire cast on the energy and high level of performance throughout the evening. It certainly was full on but the energy level never flagged and the singing remained strong. I was particularly impressed by the lead dancers this year who delivered some very well choreographed numbers with real confidence .With so many lifts and throws there must be a real trust in the team. The costumes, thousands of them, were quite outstanding as was the lighting, sets and staging all of which could be favourably compared with a professional show. The exciting musical arrangements were well played by a wonderful orchestra.

After an inovative programme of fun, colour and humour the traditional finale is always a moving ending to the Gang Show. I must admit that Lewis Boyd’s ‘A Million Dreams’ brought a real lump to my throat with the sincerity in his voice and facial expression. Surana Dee and Cameron McKenzie led the Gang in to Ralph Reader’s ‘Thankful’ followed by the ever popular Highland Catherdal and ‘Crest of a Wave’ which is always sung with great feeling and is a stirring end to the show.

Once again I must congratulate each and every person on stage for putting heart and soul into this splendid production. If ever there was an example of teamwork, and cameraderie this must be it. The team of course is led by an amazing production team who put in a huge amount of work giving these very lucky young people the chance to be part of something special. I am sure that the lessons learned in being part of Gang Show will hold them in good stead for the furure.

Many congratulations to everyone who in any way helped to make this the spectacular production it was.

 

 

 

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