The District Show – ‘Stepping Out’

It is probably fair to say that Cubs and Scouts have been providing entertainment, in some form or another, for their family, friends and supporters since the Movement started. This has usually either been free at parents’ evenings or as a separate show to raise money for a specific purpose.

There are plenty of Group records that provide details of such entertainment and this is covered in the individual Group articles that form part of the District’s history. There is even a record of concerts that were staged by the Finchley Rovers in the 1930s to raise money for the District Camping Ground.

Of course the most famous Scout entertainment of all time was the London Gang Show, written and produced by Ralph Reader. The show started in 1932 and was a regular annual event until the final production in 1974. It is pleasing to note that several members of our District not only appeared in the show but also helped backstage. Again, such instances have been mentioned in the individual Group articles.

So popular was this show that it inspired many other Scouts across the country to replicate the format, and often using Ralph Reader’s material, staged their own County and District shows.

In 1973 our District decided to give it a go. It is not known whose idea it was but it is thought that the new District Commissioner, Peter ‘Jumbo’ Davis, who had previously been the Group Scout Leader of the 12th Finchley, had a conversation with Ray Hughes, the Cub Scout Leader of the 12th Finchley. Ray had successfully been producing Group Shows and it is thought that they would see if such a show could be taken to another level and appeal to a larger audience.

Although many members of the 12th Finchley filled the various roles for the production, there were several recruits from other Groups as well as a number of local Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Rehearsals for ‘Stepping Out’ took place over at least 3 months, mainly at Finchley Lodge, for the show that was staged on the 5th, 6th and 7th April at Woodhouse School.

Unfortunately we are currently unable to say how many attended the show or if a profit was made. However, it was pleasing to note that the local press covered the event and gave a favourable report with specific praise for the backroom staff responsible for the costumes, scenery and music.

Although not reported in the press it is understood that Margaret Thatcher, the MP for Finchley also attended one of the performances.

1974

With the 1973 show having been such a success there was no doubt about staging another in 1974. It is not known when rehearsals started but the cast was increased to 70, the venue was moved to The Institute Theatre, Hampstead Garden Suburb and the number of performances increased to four.

Once again the local press gave a very favourable review saying that the colourful costumes, varied sets and slick presentations were the hallmarks. They thought that one of the funniest items was three ‘clergy’ complete with dog collars but with frilly skirts, and cavorting on the stage.

They also thought the cast sang their hearts out with unflagging energy and that their enjoyment was infectious.

1975

The continued success of the show ensured the production of another in 1975. However, instead of being staged in April everyone had to wait until November before the results of the hard working show team could be enjoyed.

There were also a couple of other changes; the cast was pared back to about 50 and extra performances were scheduled, with one being an additional evening show and the other a matinee on the Saturday.

Finchley Lodge was again the main location for rehearsals and the Finchley Press were kind enough to publish a photograph from one that also assisted in advertising the show.

The wait until November was worthwhile as the three hour spectacular was well received by the audience. Favourable press comment in both the Finchley Press and Finchley Times specifically mentioned the enthusiasm of the cast, and one saying that the many hours of rehearsing were well rewarded.

1976

The fourth year’s production of ‘Stepping Out’ followed a similar pattern to that of the previous year.

There was a similar number in the cast who spent plenty of time rehearsing in different locations prior to October when the show was again staged six times at The Institute Theatre, Hampstead Garden Suburb.

More than 1,000 people attended the show that contained many familiar songs as well as several new musical numbers and lots of amusing sketches. The Finchley Press again gave a very favourable report highlighting the item ‘The Roaring Twenties’ for its excellent array of costumes and dance routines, and the very funny sketch ‘Mad Carew’. They finished by saying that all-in-all the show was excellent.

The Avenue House Service Team also published, in their journal ‘Avenue Seen This’ a report that praised ‘A Marvellous Show’. They also thought that the sketch ‘Mad Carew’ was the most popular and funniest of the show.

However, the journalist (Miss McBride) from The Finchley Times was a lot less generous with her review. She claimed that the show was an old, oft-tried format and suggested that it was time for the Scout Movement to step right out into 1976. This provoked a number of readers to respond and provided the newspaper with a heavy postbag – all anti-reporter. Several of the letters were later published along with the Editor’s own comment that basically said that Miss McBride had given her own view and that if criticism was not wanted you should not invite a critic.

1977

Rehearsals for the 1977 show started in July. However, by September, and despite the fact that many of the costumes had already been made and tickets had been sold, there was concern that it may need to be cancelled as a pianist could not be found.

The panic was short lived and in the end there were two volunteers. One was Marjorie Graves and the other Malcolm Mellows, who had not only appeared in the 1975 but had also, as a Scout with the 11th Golders Green, been in the London Gang Show for a number of years.

The show went ahead as planned at the end of October and on the opening night was attended by Margaret Thatcher, who found time during the interval to chat with members of the cast and to warmly congratulate Ray Hughes. This visit was covered by The Finchley Press, who the following week gave a favourable review of the show.

There were unfortunately no further District Shows although there had been, for a couple of years, competition from the County Show whose cast included several Cubs, Scouts and Scouters from Finchley, Friern Barnet and Golders Green. And, as an added postscript, Ray Hughes later took over the production of that show.

 

Gallery

To view associated photographs and press cuttings click here.

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The King continues a long tradition of the monarch giving their Patronage, dating back to 1912. This was when Scouts was granted its Royal Charter and HM George V became our first Patron.

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King Charles III

Our Patron, HM King Charles III