Harpenden & Wheathampstead Scouts - 73rd Gang Show

A refreshing new look, using an open stage format, gave the 73rd Gang Show a pacey and altogether more modern approach, which worked extremely well whilst maintaining the high standard and performance values we have come to expect.

This year’s production excelled on all levels, the energy on stage was tremendous, with some different and interesting sets, that gave everyone of all abilities their chance to shine.

Lighting was good, I liked the various effects achieved, which enhanced the action and ambience of each set.

Sound balance between band and stage worked well.

The back drops and props were amazing, colourful and very suitable for each scene.

Costumes were excellent – again very colourful and whilst in several scenes the performers wore different variations of colour and style, they were all in sync.

Choreography is always of a high standard, but it is good to see that all abilities are catered for, whilst stretching the ensemble to do things they didn’t think they could!  The guys tap number was as good as ever, I always enjoy it.

The opening number was a sign of what was to come, led by Hannah Lipsett as the soloist who sang very well, with the ensemble then giving it their all. 

The second set – Politics Today was very well-presented by Sophie Crisford as the host, and Sam Gillies and Freya Barker as the interviewees – they did so well with the script, which was both entertaining and challenging.

Set 3 – The Red Herring, was based on the Vikings – some very good scripting, which the cast managed to point up so that we got the humour of the references.  Performed by the Mini Gang, fronted by James Crisford, Amy Aidley, George Greening, Barney Salmon, Oliver Pacifico, Bianca Vicente Serra and Natalie Hope-Robertson, fun set with strong commitment.

Set 4 – Hall of Fame, a set of songs based on four famous paintings, a good idea with a different feel for each work of art.  Jonah Giles, a last minute stand in, did so well, starting a little tentatively, but gaining in confidence – very well done.  Annabel Lee (backed by Kit Porter on guitar) sang beautifully, a slightly soulful sound.  James Bonner fronted the next number, a very confident young man, with Anneka Wrentmore singing the 4th number with obvious enjoyment – a very accomplished set.

Set 5 – Alternative Employment.  Oh gosh, this was extremely funny and very well done, Maxton Brewer, Hannah Lipsett, James Jewell, Immy Rule, Toby Martin, Charlotte Black, Adam Sims and Kit Porter all took on their characters with great enthusiasm, which was so good.

Set 6 – Tribes – gave us some really effective performances from Bella Thomas as a feisty female, she joined with Anneka Wrentmore for a good duet, with Oscar Yorke and Charlotte Westlake providing a nice duet too.

Set 7 – Every Day I’m Shuffling, provided Ollie Schlich with a good opportunity in his solo number, with Toby Martin and Ella Montgomery also making the most of their duet.  I liked the Cards, and was very impressed with the choreography in this number.

Set 8 – Viva La Vida – was a charming A Capella number, brilliantly sung, a moment of calm and beauty.

Set 9 – L Plates – charted a 17th birthday, Elise Wilson showed a good voice and dancing skills, parents played well by Jude Jenkins and Immy Rule.  Charlie Young and Adam Brooks (Driving Instructor and Examiner) played to perfection.  On stage energy from the ensemble was a ‘Wow’ too. 

Set 10 – Online IRL – funny and true, the frustrations of online shopping, managed very well by Margot Speirs (customer), Eddie Mellings and Lauren Antcliff (shop assistants) not giving way on anything, with an exceedingly well-pointed performance by Finlay Murphy (Cory). 

Set 11 – Wonderland, a delightful dance number, showcasing mainly the female contingent with the males supporting them, which I enjoyed very much.

Set 12 – Torn –mimed so well by Bella Thomas, with facial expression as well, impressive.

Set 13 – Together - the finale featuring a solo by Elizabeth Kennedy, very well sung, and a very good solo from Isobel Pickford-Cook, a member of the Junior Gang, who held the stage, again I was impressed.

Overall I found this production a fine example of how ideas can be made to work by enthusiasm, application and very hard work.  My congratulations to the team who devised the different sets, found suitable music and created so many different styles which the ensemble bought into with maximum commitment. 

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