The Edinburgh Gang Show 2022 At Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Wilma Wallace

For those, like me that had heard the words “Gang Show” but were never quite sure what it was this did not disappoint. Over 200 children and young people from across Edinburgh Girl Guides, Brownies and Scouts came together to provide over 2 hours entertainment with an assortment of dance, acting and singing that musical theatre groups would have been proud of. What struck most was the resilience and confidence displayed by these young people and we cannot ignore the fact that for 3 years their socialising has been restricted and limited due to the Covid pandemic.
With all that said it began with a trip to and through Edinburgh on the big screen, demonstrating the journey and dedication some of the young people made in order to participate in the show, followed closely by a Jamboree Overture where a chorus of the participants sang together before flowing nicely into the next set Back in Business. Listening to the words you could hear in many ways that the past 3 years had an impact and had been carefully written into the song to honour the fact that they had missed the performance of their annual gang show.

There were a few remarkable moments when the cast expressed through song, dance and acting skills age and stage related vulnerabilities as they entered the High School phase of their lives and momentarily it was easy to get lost in the moment. The solo vocalists were talented and expressive throughout, while the background dancers performed beautifully.

We were taken on a brief and at times comical history lesson, cleverly incorporating time travel Dr Who style. I have never learned anything historical in such a memorable way and thanks to this show I now know the fate of Henry VIII wives, how they died and the correct order. Even my history teacher at school didn’t manage to make that lesson stick!
Throughout the show there was a lovely mix of music through the ages and styles from Pop to West End Musicals. I would be surprised if anyone went and didn’t hear any music they recognised. The dance styles were also varied from a modern twist on Highland Dancing to Street Dance, Ballet and tap and there didn’t appear any boundaries placed on the young people being allowed to express themselves individually. There was a lot of “character” on the stage.
Briefly we were brought back to the reality that the performers were not trained professionals when the junior performers took to the stage and the array of looking and waving to their people began. It was a delight to see. They performed their little socks off, looking to one another for guidance when they momentarily forgot their steps and for a few seconds more than half the stage was at a cute little standstill, with a few performers keeping the place they steadily joined back in. I imagine this would have been 1st night teething problems and by the weekend it will be perfected.

There were some quirky remarks throughout the show around current affairs that had the audience laughing and what appeared to be a stand with Ukraine moment as the cast sang Man Was Born To Be Free with power and emotion!
The finale was in chorus form were the singers lined up on graduating stair like structure. The harmonising was phenomenal as they gave a clear message through song that they will continue to do what they do and perform for many years to come.

I will not be surprised to see some of these performers become household names in the future. There was a whole lot of talent on that stage as well as a whole lot of children and young people just being expressively unique.

Rating: 4/5

Ticket prices from £14

Edinburgh Gang Show 2022

Festival Theatre Edinburgh

From Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th November
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/edinburgh-gang-show-2o22/2071