Hastings Gang Show is back on the White Rock Theatre main stage for 2022!

Whether it’s a trip to the theatre with your Scout group, a fun night out with the family, or a social event with your friends – it promises to be a jam-packed show of entertainment.

A Gang Show is a theatrical variety show, performed by members of Scouts and Guides. The shows are produced to provide members with an opportunity to experience life on the stage, as well as contributing to the artistic and cultural growth of their local community. Gang Shows are entirely volunteer-run, and often feature a majority of work written by Scouting and Guiding members. Gang Show’s originated in 1931, when Ralph Reader, a Rover Scout trying to make his mark in theatre in the US and London, was asked to write a Scout-based variety show to raise money for a swimming pool at Downe Scout Camp. The name came about during a rehearsal break. Reader called his cast together, and one responded “Aye, aye Skip, the gang’s all here”. And so the Gang Show was born.

The first Gang Show in Hastings was in 1966, produced by Eric Stokes (1922-2016). Over 50 years later and it’s still going strong with a cast of over 100 young people and adults from Scouting in Hastings, Rye and District, and Guides from the Hastings Division. The cast perform in November each year, offering opportunities for friends, family, and the local community to come along and support.

They can’t promise a West End performance, but can promise to fill the stage with a bunch of enthusiastic cast members ready to entertain!

Join us on 17, 18, and 19 November for a jam-packed show for all the family to enjoy. Guaranteed to have your toes tapping, voices singing, and bellies aching!