1960 – 1969

The first Edinburgh Gang Show was staged at the King’s Theatre from 14th – 19th November 1960. It was a bold venture by the County of Edinburgh and Leith Boy Scouts Association and one that had many critics, but it was also one that instantly made an impact as an additional Scouting activity. Edinburgh Gang Show had arrived!

The 1962 production was performed at the Lyceum Theatre, but the move was short-lived, with a return to the King’s in 1963, where the show has been staged ever since.

In 1964, the show was assessed for national recognition by J Murray Napier of IHQ. We were officially recognised and granted the right to wear the coveted ‘Red Scarf’, denoting that we had achieved the standards set by Ralph Reader. There was no holding the Gang back now!

Ralph permitted Edinburgh to be the first Gang Show in the world, in 1967, to include girls in the cast. This partnership with Girl Guides set a new standard, and the two movements shared experience and passion to ensure the development of this now joint activity.

By the end of the sixties it was clear that the Gang Show was an established annual event on Edinburgh’s Scouting and Guiding calendar, sitting comfortably alongside activities such as camping, hiking and sailing.

By the end of the sixties it was clear that the Gang Show was an established annual event on Edinburgh’s Scouting and Guiding calendar, sitting comfortably alongside activities such as camping, hiking and sailing.

Directors

• Callum Mill
• Teddy Horton
• Ron Meyer
• Colin Anderson
• Harry Dougan
• Tony Onwin
• Cairns Boston