Harpenden and Wheathampstead District Scouts

Another spectacular production, a fitting ‘farewell’ to Ewan Murray, who is standing down after 37 years as MD and 32 years as Show Director – no mean feat, and a wonderful achievement.  I’m sure Ewan will be missed, but welcome to the new Director and Production team, who I know will be starting on next year’s show very shortly!

I never cease to be amazed at the number of people involved in the show – but then to get 141 young people on stage with 36 musical numbers, which were all beautifully sung with some lovely harmonies, plus the resulting choreography to accompany them - is a massive feat, and can only be applauded.  Choreography overall was very good, suitable for the varied abilities, and the highlight of the evening – the guys’ tap dance – was brilliant, I never thought I’d see tap dancing buttercups!

Some lovely backcloths, which echoed the mood and feeling of the different sections, with lovely costumes – a large wardrobe team made sure every young person had appropriate costumes that looked good – so well done.  Lighting and sound were also on point – a very cohesive and enjoyable production. 

The show started with the cast giving a high energy performance with very engaged faces, which immediately involved the audience.

I can’t mention absolutely everyone, but be assured everyone was noted, but one performer who shone for me was Oscar York, he was fully engaged wherever he was on stage, singing and dancing well, but showing his enjoyment to us all – very well done.

Don’t Stop Interrupting was sung really well by Jonah Giles, with Sam Barber and Margot Speirs providing the ‘interruptions’ – a very funny and well-timed number.

Heads & Tails was really entertaining – James Shaughnessy made an impression, whilst all the other soloists performed their parts well with lots of expression, just too many to mention but all good.  “Rabbit Rabbit” was so fast, but everyone kept up well!

Trivial Pursuit gave us a varied section, Ella Burridge singing That’s Entertainment well, and I particularly enjoyed More Than Words, sensitive guitar playing from James Jewell, singing from Owen Wren and Elise Wilson and charming dance from Ella Burridge, Isla Dixon, Peggy Watson, Charlotte Westlake, Matilda Johnson and Isabel Mellor. The roundel with segments on the side stage was a nice touch, the setting up and removal of this prop was very well achieved..

Brainpower was excellent – Matilda Johnson as the host, with George Greening and Willow Grayson gave us much to ponder and laugh at.

Howzat gave us some different choreography, I liked the shoulder movements, different but good for the cast to have something more varied.  James Bonner sang well, and finishing with Bat Out of Hell was great.

Green Fingers opened Act 2, this incorporated solos from James Crisford with harmonies from the flowers in the pot were lovely, plus the eponymous tap dance – well done guys, a real highlight every year.  Exceptionally colourful costumes.

Honey, I Shrunk the Scouts was a hoot – a great deal of thought and no doubt rehearsal must have been needed to coordinate all the arms and legs of the eight participants – excellent and very funny.

Dance School was a lively section, I enjoyed Ralph Jones solo, he was very animated and sang well.  I felt there was a slight loss of energy in Footloose, but to be honest, after the high octane production wasn’t to be surprised at!

Tutors R Us was another good sketch – very well performed by the six participants.

Arriba Con La Samba was well-performed, good partnering skills and drumming, with soloist Freya Barker.

Bugle Boy was so funny – the ‘Andrews Sisters’, Calum Whelan, Bobby Shaughnessy and Tom Baudot did so well, completely in sync with the track – well done!

Together is always a lovely moment in the show, drawing the production to a marvellous conclusion, with soloists Charlotte Black, Oscar York and Charlotte Westlake leading us into the wonderful numbers that finish the Gang Show with a bang.

My thanks to you all for your hospitality, always appreciated, and good to know about the performers and backstage crew, which is integral to my perception of the show. 

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