Gang Show 2025

As always, this was an evening of absolute joy, fun and entertainment as more than 200 youngsters commanded the stage in a variety show involving singing, dancing and amusing sketches. The Jamboree Overture played by a fabulous orchestra settled the audience who were then ready to enjoy the show.

A dazzling opening number with all of the cast members making an impact with their bright red and white costumes and energetically singing and dancing immediately set the scene for what was to be a dynamic, spectacular production. Ellie Budd led the company with  ‘Big Time’ and this entire section was  vivacious with lusty singing and enthusiastic dance routines. The question was then asked ‘Why Do We Do It?’ and surely it has to be for the obvious camaraderie and fun element of being part of Gang Show. Amilia Margiotta’s ‘Sing’ was powerful while Joey Breeze led the company in a riveting selection of song amd dance numbers from musical theatre. I had to smile at the nod given to local amateur theatre companies who I hope will have the pleasure of welcoming some of these most talented youngsters in the future.

With Christmas just around the corner a visit to Nazareth was inevitable. This most witty sketch involved all of the characters one would expect to find in a nativity - a weighed down donkey, wise men who initially hadn’t quite got the correct head gear, a most vivacious star, a flock of sheep following the shepherds, a rather exasperated Joseph, Mary whose baby unfortunatley lost its head and a camel looking down on proceedings. Very funny indeed.

The Junior Gang are always a delight and were in sparkling form on their ‘Holiday Hijinks’. So young but so enthusiastic embracing the spirit of team work as they supported each other through some fairly complex dance routines and gutsy singing and all looking splendid in their holiday attire.The concentartion on thier faces is epic.

More fun and laughter as Emily McKellican and her ‘Cheerleaders ‘were determined to get Rory Corner to spell Gang Sho(W) correctly! ‘Disco Divas’ was an absolutely brilliant finale to the first act with more fabulous company singing and dancing and sparkling disco balls. Amy Jacobs and Jess Helmsley were real powerhouses as the disco divas.

There are some amazing soloists in the Gang Show and Eliza Findlay’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’ raised the roof of the theatre. A calmer ‘Found Tonight’ was extremely emotive and showcased four excellent soloists whose voices blended beautifully.

‘Can You Dig It?’ was another first class section with Rosa Ross’ strong and determined ‘Rock D J‘ while the entire cast projected such energy and enthusiasm really rocking the theatre. Of course there is always the obligatory singalong and a very jolly team led and encouraged audience participation in a most entertaining ‘Freak Or Unicorn’.

I am always in awe of the masterminds behind compling such an amazing programme of music, dances and sketches. The constant changes of the very many most colourful costumes, the sets with magnificent backdrops and lighting result in a Gang Show which is nothing short of spectacular. The effort and commitment which all of these young people put in to performing so slickly is admirable. Choreography and musical numbers which are so varied in the big production numbers are performed with apparent ease and confidence.

A very young Olivia Smith and Lena Ramachandran proudly and innocently set the scene for the Finale of Gang Show which is always so very special as this huge cast stand proudly in their uniforms filling the stage and reminding us that they have indeed ‘A Lot To Be Thankful For’. 'The Streets of Edinburgh’ with its video wall, ‘Caledonia’ and ‘Riding Along on the Crest of a Wave’ are always sung with real passion and one can see the pride on the faces of these youngsters in being part of this organisation.

The Gang Show is certainly a great vehicle for experiencing the idea of performing, developing team work and confidence building. The many adults who devote so much of their time ensuring Gang Show is a success, and that all of these boys and girls have the best time, deserve a huge pat on the back. I’m sure, like me, when they see the enjoyment, camaaderie, pride and achievements of these dedicated youngsters giving it their all and enjoying every minute they too feel proud of the end result. Fabulous!

 

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