The Gangshow is a tradition in Adelaide that brings together over 200 members of the Scout and Guide Associations of South Australia to put on a variety show, taking all roles from writing, arranging music, building sets, sewing costumes, selling tickets and of course performing.

This year's theme is "A World of Mystery and Fantasy" and includes comedy and music including well known numbers and original skits, as we experience time and space travel and a series of fantastical worlds. 

 

Directing such a large number of performers with considerable variations in skill levels is no mean task and Darran Swain should be commended for ensuring each performer has their time to shine.  Although a long show at nearly three hours, with over 40 items, the pace moves swiftly and the colourful and effective sets are changed while the audience is distracted by small scale skits, ensuring a continuous flow of entertainment.

 

Highlights of the evening include a clever Cluedo musical sketch complete with Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett and the other easily identifiable suspects. Also a decent performance of Defying Gravity, from Wicked, which was achieved last night in spite of the distraction of barracking by well-meaning family and friends in the audience.  Not the best way to support a young performer.

Opening night saw serious levels of concentration that at times meant the performers forgot to look like they were enjoying themselves (smile!) until the finale numbers, where focusing on dance steps and lines could be put aside and the joy, unity, and satisfaction at a job well done shone through.