The gang's all here...

IT WAS once said that every day of the year, somewhere in the world, a gang show is playing - and Frodsham was once home to this theatrical phenomenon of the Scouting movement.
Between 1978 and 1993 at the town's community centre, hundreds of Scouts and their leaders from throughout North West Cheshire staged eight memorable productions of this unique musical variety show that was devised by the late Sir Ralph Reader and originally produced in London 76 years ago.

All the gang shows at Frodsham Community Centre included keynote comedy skits, comic songs and sketches and were produced by the late Allan Hull, leader of Runcorn's Cestrian Explorer Unit.
He is fondly remembered by everyone involved for his commitment and infectious enthusiasm that was rewarded with full houses for every performance.

The ultimate accolade of the coveted Red Scarf (necker) was bestowed on the team by the London Gang Show Fellowship for the consistent high quality of the Frodsham productions.
Scouts were always eager to take part and each one boasted a cast of about 200, from eight to 70 years old, who staged the performances in the February half-term school holidays.
Allan and his co-producer Trevor Shore - a 1st Frodsham Scout leader who now lives in Holland - started work in September.

Throughout the winter months the community centre buzzed with the excitement of regular rehearsals and senior citizens were always invited to enjoy a free final dress rehearsal before opening night.
Production values needed to be high enough to attract the ticket-buying public, however, and the gang, plus an army of volunteer helpers, devoted many hours to planning, writing, composing, choreography, building stage scenery and props and making costumes.

"It was hard work and fraught with problems, but we always found a way round them and everyone just loved doing it," said former District Scout Commissioner April Nicholas, of Frodsham, a gang show veteran whose husband, Ian, was also stage administrator.

April was wardrobe mistress for the earlier shows before Joy Coxey took over the demanding task of designing costumes and leading a team of volunteers - mostly supportive mums - who toiled over a battery of hot sewing machines making them up. "And the Scouts were ever so proud of their costumes!" she said.

Musical directors for the Frodsham shows were Ken Street and Barbara Maddock.
"It was a magical time for everyone involved and a great experience and achievement for all these youngsters," said April. "Most of them had never done anything like that before and probably never will again, but I think a few did actually go on to do something in theatre.

"They were really good times with lots of good, clean fun and I think everyone was sorry when our gang shows came to an end, but everyone involved in producing them eventually moved on to other things.
"I'd love to see them again but I think it's the old story of finding the right people with the enthusiasm and time to do it."