Third time’s a charm for Gang Show

It was cancelled twice last year due to Covid-19, but the Nelson Scouts Gang Show is finally hitting the stage next month.

The show’s co-director Bridget Smith says it had to be cancelled in July and again in September. It is now going ahead at the Theatre Royal from February 25 -27.

Bridget says the wait has given them the change to repolish the two-hour long, family-friendly variety show.

“There will be something for everyone, young and old, with well-known songs from Hairspray, Aladdin and Hocus Pocus.”

Lollypop ladies, a school scene, classic Scout sketches and even some fairies and chickens will be making an appearance.

“We will also be opening the show with a Covid-19 related song. It really is a full-on variety show with lots of singing and dancing. It will be fun for absolutely everybody.”

The cast of 38 is made up of Scout and Guide members from around the region, ranging in age from 10 years old to 77.

Bridget says they have been rehearsing every Sunday for seven hours.

“It has been so much for watching the entire cast come together and seeing them click with the songs. We are having so much fun, there have been so many happy smiles.

“The other thing that is special for Nelson, is that the stage crew have built a 300- kilo set piece for the show.”

Gang Shows originated in London in 1932 and came to New Zealand in the 1950s. They have been performed regularly throughout the country ever since.

The Nelson show was rebooted in 2018 after a 27- year hiatus, thanks to Bridget and her husband, Mike.

“We think the first Nelson Gang Show was in 1969, but then it stopped in the 1980s.”

Bridget encourages people to come out and see the show.

“Come and support us, as we’ve had so much trouble with Covid-19.”

The Nelson Scouts Gang Show is on from February 25 - 27. For tickets, got to nz.patronbase. com/_TheatreRoyalNelson