Bristol Gang Show 2009: Bristol Hippodrome

Thursday 19th February 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Bristol Gang Show. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 7 / 10.

After the traumas of last year, when Scouting’s big theatrical show found itself  without a place in the Bristol Hippodrome programme for only the second time since 1972, the Gang Show returned in style.

And it is still bubbling over with the sort of exuberant excitement that makes this such a unique entertainment.

The groundswell of public support, that left no one in doubt that they wanted to see the show back at the Hippo, could be felt in the enthusiasm of the first night audience.

The Mighty Boosh, who took this spot last year, might have been one of the most popular shows of the season but not even their fans could have exceeded the warmth  from this show’s supporters.

Director Sarah Haworth and her 120-strong production team were not content to just rehash the show that had been abandoned in 2008 halfway through rehearsals.

They came up with a brand new one which buzzed along at a merry pace from the opening bars of Crest of a Wave.
Musical director James Haworth coaxed some nice harmonies from the 97 members of the cast who handled wartime, 1960s and modern numbers with equal confidence.

There were some good individual inputs but in the main this is a show that relies on ensemble playing and from the youngest to the oldest members of the cast this production was full of good teamwork.

Compared to this the comedy content was less satisfying, but buoyed by the enjoyment of those on stage,  this could easily be forgiven.

The reception at the end told you that Bristol was happy to see its Gang Show back in its spiritual home.

Gerry Parker

This is a Crackerjack review of Bristol Gang Show. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.