46 Years of North Devon Gang Show

For 46 years, North Devon Gang Show has been bringing together young people and adults from the Scouting and Guiding movements to create a fantastic show filled with music, dance, comedy, friendship and plenty of memories. But what exactly is a Gang Show, and where did this much-loved tradition begin?

The Story Behind Gang Show

The Gang Show tradition began in London in 1932, thanks to Ralph Reader CBE, a talented actor, theatrical producer, songwriter and lifelong Scout. Reader was asked to create a Scout-based variety show to raise money for a swimming pool at Downe Scout Camp.

The first production, originally called The Gang’s All Here, took place at the Scala Theatre in London in October 1932. The show brought together Scouts to perform a mixture of songs, comedy sketches, music and dance. During a rehearsal, the phrase “the gang’s all here” was used, and it provided the inspiration for the show’s name.

The show was a success, raising enough money for the swimming pool, and Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell was so impressed that he encouraged Ralph Reader to produce another show. The following year saw The Gang Comes Back, and by 1934 the production was officially known as The Gang Show.

From those beginnings, the Gang Show tradition spread throughout the Scouting world and continues today in many countries.

So, what is a Gang Show?

A Gang Show is essentially a Scouting and Guiding variety show, bringing together performers to entertain an audience through a mixture of comedy, songs, dance, music and theatrical performances. Every Gang Show is different, with its own cast, style and personality, but they all share the same spirit of teamwork, friendship and fun.

Gang Show is about much more than simply putting on a performance. It gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills, grow in confidence, work as part of a team and experience the excitement of performing on stage. It also brings together people of different ages and backgrounds, creating friendships and memories that can last a lifetime.

One of the most recognisable traditions of Gang Show is the scarlet scarf, which has become an international symbol of Gang Show.

North Devon Gang Show

North Devon Gang Show has been proudly carrying on this tradition for 46 years, with our first show taking place in 1980.

Over those years, thousands of performers, volunteers and supporters have helped make North Devon Gang Show what it is today. We’ve seen generations of young people take to the stage, develop their confidence, learn new skills and make friendships and memories along the way.

Our journey has taken us through some incredible moments, as well as a few challenging years.

1980 – 2016 & 2018 – 2020 | Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple

For four decades, the Queen’s Theatre was home to North Devon Gang Show.

Year after year, performers took to the stage in the heart of Barnstaple, creating the special Gang Show atmosphere that audiences have come to know and love.

2017 | Devon Hall, Bideford College

In 2017, North Devon Gang Show found itself performing in a different home. The Queen’s Theatre had closed due to financial difficulties, meaning the Gang needed to find an alternative venue for that year’s show.

We were delighted to be able to perform at Devon Hall at Bideford College, allowing the Gang Show tradition to continue despite the change of venue.

2021 | Gang Show Goes Virtual

When live theatre wasn’t possible, Gang Show found a new way to continue.

In 2021, we took the show virtual, allowing our Gang to continue performing and sharing the spirit of Gang Show with our audience in a completely different way.

2022 | A Year Off

Sadly, 2022 saw North Devon Gang Show cancelled.

Although it was a difficult year, the Gang Show spirit never disappeared. The performers, volunteers and supporters remained determined to bring the show back to the stage.

2023 – 2026 | The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

In 2023, Gang Show returned to the stage, this time at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe.

For four fantastic years, the Landmark provided us with a brilliant home as we continued the tradition of bringing music, comedy, dance and entertainment to audiences across North Devon.

2027 | Back to the Queen’s Theatre!

And now, we’re heading home!

2027 marks an incredibly exciting new chapter for North Devon Gang Show as we return to the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple.

After years away, we cannot wait to bring the Gang back to the theatre where so much of our history was made.

From 1980 to 2027, the venues may have changed, the performers have changed and the shows have evolved — but the Gang Show spirit has remained the same.

We are incredibly proud of our 46-year history and of everyone who has played a part in making North Devon Gang Show what it is today.

Here’s to 46 years of songs, laughter, friendship, memories and fantastic shows — and to many more years of North Devon Gang Show!