PREPARATIONS are well under way for this year’s Chester Gang Show.

Scouts and leaders began rehearsals for the annual stage production, now in its 57th year, just before Christmas.

Cast members run from seven to 18 years of age, with support from a number of older volunteers, both on stage and backstage. There is expected to be a cast and support team in excess of 150 people this year.

As has been the case for the past few years, the production will take place at the Vanbrugh Theatre in the King’s School Chester, and runs from February 12-16. There will be a total of six performances – five evening shows and one matinee performance on Saturday.

Producer Keith Harding joined the Gang Show first as a nine-year-old in 1967 and has supported it ever since both as performer and backstage.

Since 2008, he has been the producer and has presided over the show’s continuing success, with the help of an enthusiastic all-volunteer team.

Keith said: “Chester Gang Show is the result of many people pulling together and putting in a tremendous amount of time and hard work.

“As a team event involving Scouts of all ages, it has no equal; it brings out the best in people and encourages personal development and self-esteem in the true spirit of Scouting!”

Over the years, Chester Gang Show – or Scoutabout as it used to be known – has been held at old venues the Royalty Theatre in City Road, the ABC Regal Cinema in Foregate Street and the Chester Gateway Theatre.

Tickets, priced £8.50 for adults and £6.50 concessions, are available from Melvin at booking@chestergangshow.net or online at www.chestergangshow.net/booking.php.