Edinburgh Gang Show returns to King's Theatre for first time in seven years
Almost 200 young performers follow in the footsteps of generations of Scouts and Guides
The Edinburgh Gang Show is set to return to the newly restored King's Theatre for its first full production at the venue in seven years.
Almost 200 young people from South East Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh will take to the stage for five days of music, dance and comedy between November 17 and 21.
The annual production was last staged at the King’s in 2019, before being forced out by two years of pandemic cancellations and a £41 million redevelopment of the Leven Street venue, which saw the show relocate to the Festival Theatre.
As a result of the seven-year gap, every member of this year's cast will be experiencing a full Gang Show run at its traditional home in Tollcross for the first time. The show first opened at the King's in November 1960.
Alan Hunter, the show's lead volunteer who has been involved with the production since 1972, said: "For this year's cast, November will be their first full Gang Show run at the King's.
"Seeing them make their own memories in a theatre that holds so many for us will be particularly special.
"You don't need any connection to Scouts or Guides to enjoy the Gang Show. We'd love people from across Edinburgh and beyond to join us for a fantastic night at the theatre and give these young performers a homecoming to remember."
Cast member Holly said: "I'm excited to see how the King's compares with the Festival Theatre. It's smaller, so we'll be able to see the audience more clearly.
"I can't wait to be on stage with my friends and see people smiling, laughing and singing along with us."
The production, which features a live orchestra and elaborate costumes, will run for six performances, including a Saturday matinee.