A POPULAR Scouts gang show has made a welcome return to the stage of Crewe Lyceum.

Crewe Scouts Gang show was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, but is back with a bang with five performances of a spectacular variety show scheduled over four days at the theatre featuring a cast of over 100 members of the local Scouting community.

Staged for the first time in 1938 when it was called "Flying High", the show is a great Crewe tradition.

Although rehearsals for this year's production started last October, the preparations have been ongoing since the curtain went up on the last show back in 2018.

Cheshire East Deputy Mayor Cllr David Marren attended last night's (Wednesday) opening and he said: "Crewe Gang Show is generally acknowledged as one of the best Gang Shows in the UK.

"I was so lucky to be able to deputise for Cheshire East Council Mayor, Cllr Sarah Pochin. I went with my wife and my three granddaughters. It was a great family night and you should go and see it if you can."

The programme, "Our New World", has been designed to celebrate hope, excitement, wonder and humour.

Among the themes are a trip to Emerald City, a celebration of the iconic band 2-tone band Madness, Mr Lucifer's Seaside Show and a turn from the brilliant Very Merry Monks.

Songs from Stormzy and Billie Eilish feature alongside an item exposing gang culture with a redeeming conclusion inspired by the new West Side Story movie and 1920's Bugsy Malone.

In reference to the Covid lockdown, James Bond makes an appearance showing that "A room is not enough", all followed by some amusing personal tales told by two cubs and a Brownie.

Cllr Marren added: "The finale was a foot-stomping, hand-clapping climax as a salute to our wonderful world.

"Even though it was a great night, the Gang Show is just another of the variety of challenging activities available to young people in Scouting and the youngsters must love it because it was funny and stirring."

Crewe Gang Show runs until Saturday (May 7). The Saturday Matinee performance starts at 2pm and the evening performances start at 7pm.