Brighton Gang Show Reunion
On 25th April there was a very exciting buzz at the Dorothy Stringer Theatre Hall entrance as 140 past members of the Gang Show casts and back stage team came through the stage door. We were delighted to see a number of people booking in from the first Show at the Dome in 1959. Giving each person a name tape on arrival was essential in the link up of old friends. Once inside they found the make up department were on stand by. Props corner with Peter Greed in charge with a collection of past items on show. Edna and Eileen were busy on the stage canteen with bread pudding still in great demand. On display was a vast collection of programmes, posters, press cuttings and oddments from every Show. They soon became a noisy talking point as the Gang remembered their involvement in years gone bye.
At 3pm the lights dimmed and the Gang Show band entered. The overture with Douglas Reeve pictured at the Dome organ became the traditional start to the reunion. There followed a varied programme of favourite musical numbers, sketches, Gang Show quiz compered by Howard Bentley and Kevin Agnew in their own stylish manner. The audience needed very little encouragement to join in as the words came up on the giant screen. The half time interval soon arrived which meant the well mannered ‘bun fight’ and another chance to meet up with old friends. The Gang Show documentary film was shown at this time which highlighted much of the work that went on behind the scenes before reaching the Dome stage.
The second half again involved the ‘audience’ joining in various items which included two part singing (male and female), band numbers, free dance, and old time sketches. The Gang Show Oscars which gave us the opportunity to recognise George Drury who instigated the start of the Brighton Gang Show. He convinced the Executive Committee that talent and expertise were available to put on a successful Show.
Before the after Show buffet we rehearsed the final numbers with a cast of sixty. (The old routines came together like magic). As we enjoyed our two course hot meal we were entertained by archive film and musical background of Show hits. The final number was a great success and so ended a very enjoyable and fun reunion.
Our thanks to all who travelled from far away places, Spain, France, USA to be with us. The back stage gang, the caterers, the Gang Show band, the performers, our comperes Howard Bentley and Kevin Agnew. We acknowledge the generous help given by Dorothy Stronger school and staff members.
‘these are the times we shall dream about
and we’ll call them the good old days’