In 1967, 150 Scouts travelled from Birkenhead to the Isle of Man to perform their Gang Show at the Gaiety Theatre. To celebrate 50 years since they achieved it, in February 2017 they are doing it again.
After two years in the planning and following the success of their “24 hours later” show in London’s West End, the team are relishing this latest challenge. Show Producer, Graham Lysaght said: “After our London show I really wanted to mark this anniversary with something special and how better but to go back to the Isle of Man and do it all again. It’s a massive project for us both logistically and financially but I know we can do it, I’m really lucky to have such an amazing team both in front and behind the curtain. Our cast will love the Gaiety Theatre and with the added bonus of having some of the young people from Scouting on the island in the show it really is going to be an amazing experience for us all to remember”
Island Commissioner, Guy Thompson said: “There has been a great buzz on the island since Birkenhead announced they where coming back over with their Gang Show next February. People still talk about their trip and show back in 1967 and everyone is really excited to see how their Gang Show has moved with the times. I’m delighted that they are also giving members of Scouting on the island the opportunity to be in the show which is something they are all looking forward to, who knows we may end up producing our very own Gang Show in the future!”
Birkenhead Gang show will run its bi-annual show at The Gladstone Theatre from 15th – 18th February, then the following week the cast, crew and staging will head to the Isle of Man to perform at The Gaiety Theatre.
Scouts from Birkenhead and from the island will perform together for the first time showcasing 50 years since the show first performed on the island. Included are items and footage from the original 1967 show, a couple of old favourites together with some brand new and exciting material.
Four members of the original cast have signed up for this years show and will be performing in these two anniversary performances. Original cast member Steve said: “The show on the island was one of the best experiences of my teenage life. I made lots of new friends and it’s something I’ve never forgotten. I’m exciting at the prospect of doing it all again 50 years on. I am just pleased it’s not over the Christmas period this time!”
To find out more about the Gang Show, please visit www.birkenheadgangshow.org or for more information, please e-mail showpr@birkenheadgangshow.org