Last year was my first Gang Show, although it had been Harpenden’s 61st. Until then, my experience of a Gang Show was watching Windsor Davies and Melvyn Hayes hamming it up in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum. I was in for a big surprise and I enjoyed it immensely so this year I excitedly awaited opening night.

I understand that despite the Gang Show having missed the publicitiy of the advertising banner across the High Street this year, ticket sales rallied at the last moment and nearly every performance sold out. And so the national anthem played to a packed house of parents, siblings, friends, grandparents, fellow scouts and general Gang Show goers, as well as Harpenden’s Town Mayor, Daniel Chichester-Miles.

But before I begin my review, have you heard the one about how many elephants can you fit in a mini? Because that joke came to mind last night as the curtains went back and revealed 152 cubs, scouts and explorers packed on to the stage of The Eric Morecombe Hall at Harpenden’ Public Halls.

The stage was certainly full to capacity, and there was no shortage of eagerness and enthusiasm either. Once again the show opener dictated the pace for the evening to come. Bright pink and blue teamed with white, snazzy silver waistcoats, belting voices and smiles akin to a toothpaste ad, the first scene ‘Absolutely Everybody’ is vibrant and high energy. And, even with a stage so packed, a choreographed routine was executed spectacularly.

Next up we were treated to some hilarious Doctor, Doctor jokes. I won’t spoil it for anyone going by revealing any of the punchlines but suffice to say that this dose of good humour is exactly what the Doctor would prescribe to ward off the January blues.

Then comes ‘Clueless’, performed by the younger members of the cast, and written, as well as produced by Richard Harrington, the County Commissioner. An original storyline, brilliantly performed by some well-known sleuths, and cleverly adapted song lyrics added to the audience’s enjoyment.

Picking up the pace again, homage was paid to the songs we know, hum and sing, which are full of ‘Gobbledy****’. You know the ones, the doohwahs, the be bops…And at this point, I should mention that the show has great props, and backdrops throughout. Take a backstage bow, David Keen, responsible for the scenery design and stage management.

‘Dr Beat’ is an upbeat, humorous dance number, choreographed by Rachel Glynn, who is new to the Gang Show this year, assisted by Wendy Bideau.

And then we’re in to the final scene of Act One, ‘After Dark’, with strong solo performances in Monster Mash, Zombie costumes that wouldn’t look out of place at London Fashion week, such was their ethereal beauty, and the Michael Jackson classic, Thriller. Throw in some Ghostbusters to zap away the ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and zombies, and you’re left with he cast of Scooby Doo and one last snigger.

At the interval, I caught up briefly with the show’s producer Ewan Murray, who was happy that the first half of the evening had gone to plan. I shared with him that I didn’t know how the cast managed to remember so many different lyrics, lines and dance steps;  “neither do I” he replied.

‘Going Underground’ got Act 2 off to a great start. A myriad of tube users; travellers, school kids, commuters, socialites, tourists and a buggy-pushing mum, travelled to and fro across the stage and I could picture myself on the platform at Kings Cross. The tube map was fun too. Did anyone else spot amidst the usual stations such as Edgware and Burnt Oak, there was Wheat’mstd, Crabtree Fields and Kimpton? An excellent solo rendition of Duffy’s Warwick Avenue, was a high point, with the high notes all hit. So too was a tap dancing Finchley Central number, and the Pearly Kings and Queens did the East End proud with their performance of the Lambeth Walk. Abba’s Waterloo bought the scene to a close with a great guitar solo kicking it off and a lively cast rendition to finish.

Then we’re set for another comic performance; a bunch of guys, in some very colourful shirts, doing a deckchair drill. Hilarious visual entertainment!

Energy levels soar again as we are taken on a trip down ‘Electric Avenue’. We’re treated to Oasis’ She’s Electric, and then some creative torch work, in tune with the beautiful singing of By the Light of the Silvery Moon. A beautiful solo of Electricity is accompanied by a graceful dance routine, and then the momentum lifts again as the cast launches in to the uplifting Electric Dreams, relaxing in to their performance with jaw aching smiles.

One performer keeps the audience captivated in the slapstick scene, ‘The Leak’. Great comic timing, and you have to hand it to the soundmen here too; they are David Errock and Jeremy Finch.

Boom Boom Pow and you’re transported from Harpenden (even though the graffiti is telling you you’re still there) to Queens, NYC. Scouting is certainly keeping abreast of the times!

The Silent Order of Monk’s performance of Hallelujah is one of pure comic genius. Well done to whoever thought that one up! Great timing by the cast, and I’m sure that one would have been appreciated by Mr Eric Morecombe himself.

And then, far too soon, although we’re two hours plus in now, it’s finale time with Pack all your troubles in your old kit bag, On the crest of the wave, and Together. All the cast are back on stage in their scout uniforms, looking smart, jubilant and proud.

And so they should be. For yet again, they have blown me away and, judging by the relentless applause, the rest of the audience too. This really is the perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up show.

Congratulations to all the cast, crew of the Harpenden and Wheathampstead District Scouts 62nd Gang Show. You sing “We share together, when we’re together, the best years of our lives” and looking on it really looks like you believe this to be true. I hope the rest of the run goes as well as the opening night and that you have the best time performing.