© Whitley Bay Showtime 2011

THE SHOW

 

Join us for singing, dancing and laughs as Whitley Bay Scouts delight you with a variety show like no other.

 

This year Showtime is at the Playhouse, Whitley Bay from 22nd to 26th November, with a cast of almost 100 enthusiastic Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

 

It is 6 years since we were last at the Playhouse (our two previous shows were at St John’s Methodist Church) and we are back with a new cast and a new name!

 

For almost 70 years the Scouts of Whitley Bay have performed in a Gang Show somewhere in the town, this year we are pleased to be returning to the Playhouse, under a new show title of ‘Showtime’. It is still the traditional Gang Show format with musical numbers and sketches. Audiences will be blown away with acts ranging from our energy filled Bollywood number to the exciting ‘Magic’.

 

SHOWTIME AND GANGSHOW

 

The first Gang Show to be held in Whitley Bay was in 1941.  That show was held over 3 days in the Livingstone Hall, (Part of Whitley Bay Baptist Church) and because of the war, was held during  the Summer to beat the blackout.

 

In 1952 the show moved to the Essoldo Theatre (now renamed as the Playhouse) and the cast received a letter of good wishes from Gang Show founder, Ralph Reader who became a regular visitor to the show. The 1952 Show cost £300 to stage!

 

In the 1971 programme item 6 of the second half was entitled “SHOWTIME”.  Ralph reader himself writing the words to the song ‘Showtime’.

 

The Gang Show started in 1932 when Ralph Reader was asked to write a Scout based amateur variety show to help raise money for a swimming pool at Downe Scout Camp, now a National Scout Activity Centre.