Fairy tales woven into fast-paced Gang Show

This group of Waikato Scouts and Guides has been working hard every Sunday since May to learn the dance moves and 25 songs that will make up this years Gang Show. Photo / Supplied

For the seventh time since 2005 the Scouts and Guides of the Waikato are combining to bring audiences their special type of entertainment — the Gang Show.

The Waikato Gang Show is different from the old format shows, says the chairman of the executive committee organising the show, Ken Wedgwood. The original format had blocks of song and dance interspersed with comedy.

"We have a continuous story line through the show and everyone in the cast has their moment of glory, some more than others dependent on their ability and if they have been in previous shows," says Ken.

This year's show is entitled Sblended Fairy Tales and is a cobbling together of seven well-known fairy tales with a story line that mixes them all together with a touch of modern day influences.

"There's lots of modern songs mixed with traditional ones by Ralph Reader — the originator of Gang Show," says Ken

"It is a complete extravaganza with fun, laughter, fabulous costumes, great singing and acting. Look out for Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Jack with the Bean Stalk, but perhaps not as normally seen."

Many adults, both leaders and parents and previous cast members give of their time for the youth so they can experience the thrill of being on stage.

The director and script writer is Ross Murphy. Ross has more than 50 years of stage experiences to give the cast and having been in previous Gang Shows in Whangarei knows what it is all about.

Ken says the two choreographers of Gang Show 2018 have been in previous Waikato shows and are very keen to pass on their knowledge.

Other previous cast members now on the production side include the assistant director and members of the light and sound team.

The show is at the Riverlea Theatre, Hamilton. The performance dates are September 8 to 15 (no show on Wednesday 12th) and tickets are available through iTICKET or at www.iticket.co.nz/events/2018/sep/sblended-fairy-tales