A Gang Show to be remembered

Yet they put on a show to be remembered.   My favourites are the youngest of all – the Beavers and Rainbows some of whom are just six.    They put on Going to the Zoo with their usual charm.

No names, no pack drill but there is always one of the tinies who goes his or her own way – to the delight of the audience.

The teenagers excel in modern pop numbers such as Keep on Moving, I want your Love and Toxic.

There are many good solos but the girl who sings Don’t Nobody Bring me No Bad News is exceptional.   Because gang shows are team efforts, the name of soloists are never revealed but I hope she makes use of her talent and shares it by singing in other shows.

That doesn’t mean that traditional Ralph Reader numbers are forgotten.

The show opens with Let’s Have the Time about Now and closes with On the Crest of the Wave.   In both items, the cast are immaculate in their scout and guide uniforms.

All the sketches are clear and funny.   My favourite was When in Rome where Julius Caesar sends various performers to the realistically roaring lions.

It has become a tradition to put on a mini pantomime.   This one is Jack Aladdin and the Magic Beanstalk    Somehow, in a short time, they manage to squeeze in  a dame, fairy, principal boy and girl and a cow that produces semi-skimmed milk!

The newly formed Sale District Scout and Guide Band accompanies the entire cast at the end of Act I    

This is a show to be enjoyed by all the family but the greatest thing about it is that the cast seem to be enjoying themselves, too.

*   The Gang Shoe id st Altrincham Garrick until February 21.   For tickets, call 0161 969 1393 or 07842 881285.   Star rating: * * * *