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2009 Review
Thu, 9 Jul 2009 Arts Otago Daily Times
I've seen a Gang Show or three in my time.
All were fine productions but none better than the scintillating, fast-moving show performed in front of a highly appreciative, near-capacity audience in the Mayfair Theatre on Tuesday night.
To take a cast of 79 scouts and guides, ranging in age from 10 to 20 or so, and mould them into pretty polished stage protagonists, takes some doing.
Producers Noel and Sue Walker, commuting from Te Anau, continue to imbue their charges with the will to become highly entertaining, disciplined exponents of theatrical acts that would surely impress paid vaudevillians.
This year's Gang Show, Noel Walker's 15th successive show, again includes much material which he has written or skilfully adapted.
The main show theme, "A Year in the Life of King Arthur", provides ample scope for the ebullient cast to strike hard with their individual and combined talent.
As with the entire programme, comedy is to the fore.
Some of the most striking offerings centre around Noah's Ark, Hoe Down, Camelot, Nanna Technology and Sleeping Beauty.
Here, as with other items, costuming and colourful representation of the subjects involved are superb.
Sets, too, are quite appropriate.
Singing - much of it based on music popular in the 1950s and 1960s - is strong, dance movements well executed, and individual sketches, some involving local lore, replete with forceful humour.
Ian Hebbard, musical director, participating in his 17th successive Gang Show with this brief, has moulded a 12-piece orchestra that provides the icing on a rich theatrical concoction.
The 2009 Gang Show runs until Saturday. It is a splendid family production.
• Gang Show 2009 was performed on Tuesday, July 7 at the Mayfair Theatre.
- Reviewed by Clarke Isaacs
I've seen a Gang Show or three in my time.
All were fine productions but none better than the scintillating, fast-moving show performed in front of a highly appreciative, near-capacity audience in the Mayfair Theatre on Tuesday night.
To take a cast of 79 scouts and guides, ranging in age from 10 to 20 or so, and mould them into pretty polished stage protagonists, takes some doing.
Producers Noel and Sue Walker, commuting from Te Anau, continue to imbue their charges with the will to become highly entertaining, disciplined exponents of theatrical acts that would surely impress paid vaudevillians.
This year's Gang Show, Noel Walker's 15th successive show, again includes much material which he has written or skilfully adapted.
The main show theme, "A Year in the Life of King Arthur", provides ample scope for the ebullient cast to strike hard with their individual and combined talent.
As with the entire programme, comedy is to the fore.
Some of the most striking offerings centre around Noah's Ark, Hoe Down, Camelot, Nanna Technology and Sleeping Beauty.
Here, as with other items, costuming and colourful representation of the subjects involved are superb.
Sets, too, are quite appropriate.
Singing - much of it based on music popular in the 1950s and 1960s - is strong, dance movements well executed, and individual sketches, some involving local lore, replete with forceful humour.
Ian Hebbard, musical director, participating in his 17th successive Gang Show with this brief, has moulded a 12-piece orchestra that provides the icing on a rich theatrical concoction.
The 2009 Gang Show runs until Saturday. It is a splendid family production.
• Gang Show 2009 was performed on Tuesday, July 7 at the Mayfair Theatre.
- Reviewed by Clarke Isaacs
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