St Albans Gang Show back with a bang after two-year absence

The show took place at The Alban Arena, on Civic Close, from Wednesday (February 8) until Saturday (February 11).

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On Thursday, February 9 The Herts Advertiser was invited to attended the event.

In a festival of colour and imagination, a cast of 80 talented youngsters represented their Scout and Guide groups with pride.

The show began with a 'Ready to Rock' section. (Image: Everyone Active)

Intricate choreography, clever sketches and gifted singing were all included in the show, with some laugh-out-loud moments thrown in for good measure.

Particular highlights included 'The King of Packaging', who returned twice to have his say on how items must be wrapped, and a visually stunning 'Light It Up' section.

The show's Hans Christian Anderson scene saw 'The Ugly Duckling' performed. (Image: St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show)

A performance by singing and dancing ice creams, with the witty line 'If you like it, then you should have put a flake in it' was another memorable moment.

Overall, the sheer organisation of the children - who have been rehearsing three times per week - had to be admired throughout the performance.

All props and costumes had been created by the children and volunteers. (Image: St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show)

Props, which had been created by both the children and volunteers, didn't look out of place in a thoroughly professional production.

The same can be said for costumes, which peaked when a grey ugly ducking transformed into a white swan on stage.

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At one stage in the show, the audience's hearts were broken by a tomato who was refused entry to both vegetable and fruit parties.

The children had been rehearsing three times per week, prior to the performance. (Image: St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show)

The penultimate section of the show saw a song about acronyms delight audience members, with the acronyms getting longer as the section progressed.

The production ended with all of the performers wearing their traditional Scout and Guide outfits and scarves, performing the national anthem.

A wide variety of scenes were performed on the night. (Image: St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show)

Following the performance, the show's producer Hermione Drew said: "The whole volunteer team could not be more proud of what our cast of young people have achieved.

"For most this is their first time in the show and for some their first time on stage. 

"After two years away it has been an incredible journey for everyone to get the show back on the road, and we are blown away by the positive reaction we have had from our audiences.

The superb organisation and choreography of the show was evident throughout. (Image: St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show)

"It is so good to be back putting on a great show, and seeing young people learning new skills, forming new friendships and making memories for life."

The show was summed up by the reaction of a particularly excited father in the audience, who shouted as though a goal had been scored at the end of each song, perfectly capturing the celebratory mood of the audience.