Bright Lights, Big Voices

There are few things more joyful, more life-affirming, than a Scout and Guide Gang Show done well.

Tonight I had the enormous pleasure of attending the Oxfordshire Gang Show at ’s theatre – and what a show it was.

For those who may not know, the Gang Show tradition began in 1932, when brought together a group of Scouts in London to put on a variety performance in the West End. That first show at the was full of song, sketches and irrepressible energy – and it caught fire. Nearly a century on, Gang Shows remain one of the great expressions of Scouting and Guiding creativity: young people finding confidence, voice and teamwork under bright lights.

Oxfordshire’s production tonight was bang up to date. The music was current and punchy. The singing was strong and assured. The choreography was sharp, inventive and clearly well-rehearsed. There was humour that genuinely landed, and moments of real polish that would not have been out of place on a professional stage.

And I will admit to an added frisson of excitement in spotting High Sheriff’s Cadet Isabella in the cast – singing and dancing with real talent and aplomb. To see a young person one works alongside in civic life light up the stage like that is a proper privilege.

After the curtain came down, it was a pleasure to step onto the stage on behalf of the civic party present to thank the cast – and the extraordinary crew of adults behind the scenes who make this all possible. Gang Show does not happen by accident. It takes months of rehearsals, patient direction, costume rails, lighting cues, ticket sales, safeguarding, lifts home, and more cups of tea than one could count. That quiet, committed volunteer leadership is the very best of our county.

As High Sheriff, my theme this year is Hearing the Young Unheard. Tonight, those young voices were not unheard at all. They were confident, creative and very much centre stage.

Bravo, Oxfordshire Gang Show. What a night.