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NEWS

The 2009 Gangshow was a complete sellout and a huge success.

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The Copthorne Gang Show is a variety show performed by Copthorne Scouts and Guides at the Hawth Theatre, in Crawley. Our next Gangshow will be in 2011. There will be 2 performances. A matinee and an evening performance.

Unlike some of the larger Gang Shows where everyone has to audition in order to take part, ours is open to all members of the Copthorne Scouts & Guides. No one is forced to be in it. The only auditions are for solo parts. The aim of the show is to give our young people, together with their leaders and helpers, the opportunity to develop theatre skills and perform on a professional stage. For some this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The cast of 200 plus perform items based on Musicals, Comedy Sketches and Popular Music, some of which are original Ralph Reader items and most are writen specifically for us. We are fortunate to have the Copthorne Silver Band to provide the orchestrial accompaniment to the show.

Those you will see on stage are backed up and supported by a support team of people giving their time and skills free in areas of Costumes, Front of House, Make-up, Stage Crew, Scenery building, Show Content and Production. It may supprise you to know that all of the scenery is made by us, nothing is hired in!

The show week is the culmination of six months of hard work by both performers and support teams. If you have never seen a Gang Show come along and see for yourself how talented the youngsters are. Then sit back and enjoy the electric atmosphere!

It is extremely difficult to list all that being in a Gang Show can provide. It is about Teamwork, Confidence, New Skills learnt, Responsibility, Sharing, Helping and so much more!......... finding hidden talents and the indescribable experience of bringing pleasure to thousands of people.
It is not individual talent that is the pre-requisite but the sheer enthusiasm of working together and finding the hidden strengths that we all have that makes the show special!
We can't pretend that it's easy. It takes strength, stamina and determination to succeed and for the younger members the support of parents / guardians in GREAT measures. Attendance at all rehearsals and determination to learn words, songs and actions as well as keeping up with schoolwork, homework and your regular activities are all part of the involvement. You have to be a good organiser!