The St Albans Gang Show returns this month for its 40th show.

From Wednesday, February 13, to Saturday, February 16, the St Albans Gang Show will light up the Alban Arena stage with the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of more than 100 local scouts, guides and young leaders.

The performances will be full of energetic dance routines, classic songs as well as less well-known tracks, and some brilliant comedy sketches.

Harrow Times:

The first St Albans Gang Show took place in 1939. It was held at Culver Hall in February and March. There was a cast of 89 boys and it is reported that Ralph Reader, the man who started Gang Shows, came to see the show.

In 1969 the 4th St Albans Scout Group celebrated their diamond jubilee by putting on a show at the City Hall (now Alban Arena). The show also involved scouts from the 9th St Albans Scout Group.

St Albans District Scouts & Guides staged their first Gang Show in 1980 and have produced an annual show ever since.

Since 1980 thousands of young people have been given the opportunity to perform in the St Albans Scout & Guide Gang Show. The show was officially recognised by the Scout Association in the late eighties, when it was awarded the Gang Show emblem which they now proudly wear on the back of their red scarf.

Some of the ex-cast have gone on to amazing things in the showbiz world, including performing on stage in London’s West End, joining pop groups and having number singles played across the globe - and some have even gone on to join the St Albans Gang Show production team.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Wednesday, February 13, to Saturday, February 16, various times. Details: 01727 844488 alban-arena.co.uk