Gang Show Format
The format of a Gang Show is essentially a revue or variety show; song, dance and short comedy sketches are the most common items. The number of items varies (commonly ranging between 12 and 25): some are stand-alone, others are a series of songs conforming to a chosen theme, or a running gag.
A typical show will include a big opening number, some comedy sketches, several musical items with a mix of group and solo work, dance numbers and of course a grand finale. Some of the material is well-known, other material is original to Gang Shows, sometimes even penned by the young people themselves.
The show's format was created by the late Ralph Reader CBE, the original Gang Show producer, who went on to write much material for Gang Shows, sketches musical numbers and Pageants including the signature tune On the Crest of a Wave. Other "standards" Reader wrote include Strolling, Great Great Game, Gee, It's A Wonderful life, A Touch of Silver, Three Cheers, Show Time, Together, and The Scout Hymn. (Many of Reader's songs were written for the time and were very creatively presented. Many songs can be a vehicle for modern reinvention however, and in order to be relevant for a modern presentation some sketches and songs and orchestrations require some adaptation to be suitable in today's more politically correct times. Most shows retain one or two as their 'signature tune' (e.g. Together, Birds of a Feather.
Read more about this topic: Gang Show
Famous quotes containing the words gang and/or show:
“What lies behind facts like these: that so recently one could not have said Scott was not perfect without earning at least sorrowful disapproval; that a year after the Gang of Four were perfect, they were villains; that in the fifties in the United States a nothing-man called McCarthy was able to intimidate and terrorise sane and sensible people, but that in the sixties young people summoned before similar committees simply laughed.”
—Doris Lessing (b. 1919)
“When writers meet they are truculent, indifferent, or over-polite. Then comes the inevitable moment. A shows B that he has read something of B’s. Will B show A? If not, then A hates B, if yes, then all is well. The only other way for writers to meet is to share a quick pee over a common lamp-post.”
—Cyril Connolly (1903–1974)