The Adelaide Gang Show, now in its 63rd year, is an annual production providing a platform for Scouts, Guides, and Leaders aged 8 to 30 to develop skills in performing and stagecraft. Scouts training is all about learning by doing and the Gang Show gives everyone an opportunity to be involved, on stage and behind the scenes. The creative team’s storyline and scenes wove together themes of masks, mystery, and unmasking truths, which tied into the overarching concept of self-discovery and connection.
Several moments shone brightly, with performers demonstrating both skill and passion. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy from the program to identify individual performers as they are not listed under the various scenes. There were some lovely, blended voices in numbers and some standout performances. One performer that did stand out and I could identify in the program was Olivia. Her singing was delightful. Her powerful voice belied her small stature, delivering dynamic vocals in all her numbers. A highlight of the evening was her collaboration with Ben (and others) in “Ballroom Blitz”. This number brought not only strong lead performances but also an engaging ensemble effort, with visible enjoyment radiating from the entire cast. While there were many positives, there were a few noticeably nervous performers, along with some dropped lines and tentative starts, which are likely to improve as the season progresses. The live orchestra added atmosphere and depth to the production, though there were occasional pitch issues.
Choreography was thoughtfully tailored to the abilities of the cast, particularly in the waiting room scene, where the use of levels and movement was effective. However, some group numbers could have benefited from a bit more polish.
Costuming was another strong point, with creative and appropriate choices that enhanced the storytelling. From colourful scrubs in the hospital scenes to the variety of Western outfits, the costumes added richness and context to each scene.
Some technical aspects detracted from the overall experience, but there were also moments where the lighting excelled. For example, the lighting in Everybody Wants to Rule the World created a compelling atmosphere, and there were other instances where lighting effects effectively enhanced the mood of a scene. However, lighting was inconsistent at times, with performers occasionally left in shadow while the aprons of the stage were illuminated. I’m sure these issues were noticed and will be adjusted for the remainder of the season. There were also some microphones switched on when cast members weren’t on stage, leading to muted whispers being heard. Additionally, some staging choices placed action too far back on the stage, reducing its impact. A more forward placement could help draw the audience into the performance. Moving away from straight lines and avoiding actors walking backwards to return to them would also enhance the overall presentation.
Despite these challenges, the cast’s enthusiasm shone through, especially at the end with an energetic and animated rendition of When I Grow Up. This year’s production celebrated youth empowerment and teamwork while unmasking not only mysteries but also the potential of those involved.
The Adelaide Gang Show continues to be a vital training ground for young performers, fostering creativity, leadership, and teamwork. While there is room for growth, this year’s production succeeded in showcasing the potential and passion of its participants. Here’s to another 63 years of inspiring youth through the performing arts!
