Figure 1.--The cast of the Christchurch 2000 Show as they appeared in the Finale.

New Zealand Scouts, like those in Australia, have developed a wonderful tradition of Scout Gang Shows in the finest traditions of those first presented by English Scouts. The first Gang Show was produced in 1956 and there have since been many successful Gang Shows produced by Scout Groups all over New Zealand. Scout Gang Shows are popular events in New Zealand. We have noted Gang Shows being held throughout New Zealand by Scouts and Guides working together. Perhaps the most important is the Central Gang Show held at Auckland Grammar School. Other recent shows have been held in Christchurch, Hawera, Hawkes Bay (Hastings), Hutt Valley, Kapiti (Otaki), Manuatu (Pamerston North), North Shore Gang Show (Takapuna, Auckland), Otago Gang Show (Dunedin), and Wairarapa. An especially well done one was produced by Scouts in the Christchurch area during 1996.

Background

'Gang shows' were the original creation of the late Ralph Reader C.B.E. He began writing words and music for Gang Shows anonymously as 'A Holbourne Rover', he was a Rover Scout at the time in Holbourne, London. He wrote and produced the first Gang Show in London in 1932, becoming the founder of Gang Show world wide, as it did not take long for the idea to spread far and wide. His first show was so successful that a new show followed each year. The material for the London Gang Show was written entirely by Ralph an fortunately, because of his keen interest in Scouting, he made his amazing output of material, ideas, encouragement and inspiration available for use by other shows. His legacy of first class entertainment has bought laughter and tears to millions of people throughout the world.

Australia and New Zealand

By the time the London Gang Shows stopped when Ralph retired in 1974, many other writers had begun adding to the Gang Show library. During the 1970's, 80's, 90's and now the 2000's, Gang Shows have been particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand. Original London Gang Show material has been adapted to suit local audiences and Australasian writers have penned local and contemporary items.

Chronologies

1956

The curtain went up at the Repertory Theatre on the 4th September 1956 for New Zealand's first true Gang Show, the producer being the late Harry Killengray, an old friend of Ralph Reader, a fellow Rover Crew member and London Gang Show crew member. He went on to produce shows in 1957 and 1958.

1961

1961 saw the Gang Show move to the Civic Theatre. The producer / Director was Peter Henwood, a member of the original Canterbury 'We'll Live For Ever' cast and a Gang Show enthusiast. Peter continued in his enthusiasm for Gang Shows, writing acts and Directing shows in Christchurch until the1985 Gang Show which was held in the James Hay Theatre. Doug Collins, who had worked with Peter on earlier shows, directed the 1967, 69 and 71 Gang Shows.

1980s

Figure 2.--This photograph show shows some of the cast in costume for part of a seafaring number in 1960s show.

1996

The show remained in recess until 1996. Roger Horton, who had been in the cast of the 81, 83 and 85's shows, directed local shows in Rapanui District in 1992 and 1994 and the spirit of Gang Show was re-kindled. The first show opened at the Repertory Theatre on the 4th September 1996, exactly 40 years on from the first show, and have continued every two years since, directed by Roger.

Popularity

Scout Gang Shows are popular events in New Zealand. We have noted Gang Shows being held throughout New Zealand. Perhaps the most important is the Central Gang Show held at Auckland Grammar School. Other recent shows have been held in Christchurch, Hawera, Hawkes Bay (Hastings), Hutt Valley, Kapiti (Otaki), Manuatu (Pamerston North), North Shore Gang Show (Takapuna, Auckland), Otago Gang Show (Dunedin), and Wairarapa.

Canterbury and Christchurch

Although New Zealand scout leaders had read about the original London Gang Shows it was not until the early post-war travellers to Jamborees and Rover Moots started returning from England that Canterbury and Christchurch got the Gang Show spirit. The first effort was the Reader musical play 'We'll Live For Ever', produced by Gwen Freeland in the old Radient Theatre in August 1952. This play was based on the activities of a Scout Group, and involved not only uniformed members but also lay helpers on stage.

Importance

A Gang Show is a valuable Scouting, and now Guiding activity, which develops a wide range of entertaining and teamwork skills, as well as building confidence. For many, Gang Show is their first real taste of live theatre. The Gang on stage are supported by an equal number of enthusiastic parents and scouting and guiding personnel who work behind the scenes. Any member of Gang Show past or present will know. The efforts have been exhausting, the pace has been demanding The show has been exciting, the finale's been exhilarating! To use Ralph Reader's own expression, "It's Been Terrific!".

Christchurch Gang Show