Our History - Crewe Gang Show

Since its debut in 1938, Crewe Gang Show has been a proud tradition, bringing together Scouts, Guides, and volunteers to create unforgettable performances filled with laughter, music, and acting. Over the decades, our show has grown in scale and ambition, featuring spectacular musical numbers, comedy sketches, and incredible talent from across the district. From milestone anniversaries to standing ovations, every show has added to our rich legacy. Now, you can explore the full history of Crewe Gang Show with our exclusive Show History book, available for purchase from our store. Celebrate the memories, relive the highlights, and own a piece of our story!

If you’d like to learn more about our history, feel free to drop us a message here —we’d love to hear from you!

1930s

1937 – Saw our first production meeting
1938 – Our first show ‘Flying High’ at Crewe Town Hall
1939 – Our second show ‘Gang Ahoy’

1940s

June 1948 – Our first production meeting after the grim years of World War Two
November 1948 – Our first show ‘Joyride’ after World War Two
December 1949 – Crewe Lyceum Theatre became the home of Crewe Gang Show and hosted it’s first gang show ‘Joyride’

1950s

1950 – The decision was made to make the show a biennial production
1951 – Our first biennial show took place ‘Festival Joyride’
1953 – We returned with the show ‘Joyride’
1956 – We started to use the show name ‘Gang Show’

1960s

1960 – We returned after a 4 year break with our show name ‘Gang Show’
1962 – We returned again with the show ‘Gang Show’
1964 – Was our Jubilee Gang Show
1967 – We returned again with the show ‘Gang Show’

1970s

1972 – We returned again after a small break with the show ‘Gang Show’
1974 – Another show came to the stage with the allowance of females taking centre stage and the show being our Jubilee era
1976 – Returning again with the show ‘Gang Show’
1978 – South West Cheshire Scout District purchased the scout and guide shop which is based on Bedford Street, Crewe, in the same year Crewe Gang Show celebrated it 40th Anniversary show

1980s

1980 – Moving into a new decade with Gang Show continuing put on a show, with 1980 having a special visit from Ralph Reader himself
1982 – Returning to the stage with ‘Gang Show’ of 82
1984 – Returning to the stage with ‘Gang Show’ of 84
1986 – Returning to the stage with ‘Gang Show’ of 86
1987 – South West Cheshire Scout District purchased Milldale Scout Campsite
1988 – 50th anniversary show ‘Golden Jubilee’

1990s

1990 – Next decade brought more gang shows Returning with ‘Gang Show’, which featured a scene commemorating 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
1992 – We returned again with Gang Show of 1992 where technology helped delivered a spectacular show
1994 – Crewe Lyceum closed for refurbishment
1995 – Returned to the Lyceum to deliver ‘Gang Show of 95’
1997 – We returned to deliver the show of 97

2000s

2002 – After a 5 year break South West Cheshire District Scouts Pushed for a recreation of the gang show where we returned in 2002
2004 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2004
2006 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2006
2008 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2008

2010s

2012 – After a 4 year break, we returned in 2012
2014 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2014
2016 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2016
2018 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2018, which was the 80th anniversary of Crewe Gang Show

2020s

2020 – Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the decision was made to postponed the show
2022 – We returned after the pandemic with ‘Our New World’
2024 – We returned again with Gang Show of 2024
2026 – We will be returning in 2026, watch this space

"These are the times we shall dream about And we will call them the good old days"

Useful Links

Follow us

Registered Address: 131 Bedford Street Crewe, CW2 6JB