Enthusiastic Response To “Gang Show”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 14

Enthusiastic Response To “Gang Show”

. “Enthusiastic" is toe one . word which sums up toe 1969 Christchurch scout “Gang : Show.” It describes not only ■ its reception at an almost 1 full Civic Theatre last even- ’ ing, but also the approach by the 100-strong cast to its pro- ’ duetion. First-night nerves, a problem with most amateur pro- > ductions, were not evident in i the younger members of toe . cast, and there were few teehi ini cal hitches, the most awkward of which was the height

of the microphones-« handicap for most of toe diminutive cast. Fast moving, toe show allowed the audience few occasions for restlessness. One such occasion was the rather long musical overture before toe full weight of the show was revealed in the first number—an eyecatching item, with well-synchronised, almost hypnotic, arm movements from 85 of the cast arranged in five tiers. A toppling set in one skit, which threatened to shred the players to fit toe title, “Russian Salad,” was toe only other major upset of toe show. This was, of course, well received by toe predominantly young audience, which seemed to prefer toe slapstick aspects of toe programme. Imagination in the presentation of all the sets, -and elaborate costuming even in short acts, were the keynotes of the, whole production. A much-used feature of toe show, but one which never seemed to wane in its appeal to toe audience, was an allmale corps de ballet which reappeared in a number of guises. It was hard at times to determine whether toe performers or toe audience got most enaoymeot from these energetic, if a little graceless, performances. A number of.good solo or small group performances were given, but there was at no stage any indication of the identity of the artists. The performance will be repeated nightly until Saturday, with, a matinee that afternoon.