History

Scout Gang Shows have existed for many years, based on the original ideas of Ralph Reader CBE whose shows were performed in London and in provincial cities and towns across the country. It is now said that ‘Every night of every year, somewhere in the world a Gang Show is playing’. Tonight is our night! Maidstone was one of these provincial towns and had a Gang Show as early as 1939! The aim of Gang Show has always been to develop a sense of belonging, to encourage team spirit, increase self confidence and to provide an atmosphere of enjoyment and fun. It also introduces and develops stage skills to present a positive image of Scouting in the community.

During the war the Maidstone Gang Show was laid to rest only to be re-born in 1969 when a trial show was performed during the District AGM at Oakwood Park School.

historybonusIn 1970, Tony Palmer produced the first full Gang Show. This was the first of many shows to be performed at our present home, Maidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre. These shows were traditional Ralph Reader Gang Shows using only his original songs, sketches and an all male cast!

Maidstone Gang Show Producers

  • 1969: A number of Maidstone Scout Groups as a cooperative
  • 1970: Tony Palmer
  • 1972: Tony Palmer
  • 1974: Chris Hall & Ian Craddock
  • 1976: Chris Hall & Ian Craddock
  • 1978: Ron Cattell
  • 1981: Sue Pepper
  • 1983: Sue Pepper
  • 1988: Andy Brodie assisted by Sue Pepper
  • 1990: Andy Brodie assisted by Steph Davies
  • 1992: Andy Brodie assisted by Steph Davies & Alan Livesey
  • 1994: Andy Brodie assisted by Steph Davies & Alan Livesey
  • 1995: Andy Brodie assisted by Steph Davies & Matt Caney
  • 1997: Matt Caney, Mark Culver, Steph Davies, Gill Simes & Simon Wade
  • 1999: Matt Caney, Mark Culver, Steph Davies, Gill Simes & Simon Wade
  • 2001: Mark Culver, Steph Davies, Gill Simes, Simon Wade & Simon Davies
  • 2003: Mark Culver, Steph Davies, Simon Wade, Amanda Harle & Toby Simons
  • 2005: Chris Cook, Karen Card, Jo Cox, Richard Flood, Alys Leech, Neil Porter, Tom Ring and Dave Taylor.
  • 2007: Jo Cox & Richard Flood
  • 2009: Richard Flood, Mark Culver, Alys Leach, Amanda Harle and Megan Hook.
  • 2011: Richard Flood, Mark Culver, Amanda Harle, Megan Hook and Graham Ford.
  • 2013: Richard Flood, Mark Culver, Amanda Harle, Graham Ford, Jo Perman, Alys Leach and Anna Hilder
  • 2015: Richard Flood, Mark Culver, Alys Leach and Ami Culver
  • 2017:Richard Flood, Ami Culver,Alys Leach and Mark Culver
  • 2019: Richard Flood, Mark Culver, Ami Culver and George Fever
  • 2022: Richard Flood, Anna Hilder, Rosie Bright, James Capon