GET ready for some tip-top action at the Corn Exchange with the 2002 Ipswich Gang Show.The variety show, which is performed by Scouts and Guides from across Suffolk is all set to take over the Ipswich venue from Wednesday April 3 to Saturday April 6.

By Nick Richards

GET ready for some tip-top action at the Corn Exchange with the 2002 Ipswich Gang Show.

The variety show, which is performed by Scouts and Guides from across Suffolk is all set to take over the Ipswich venue from Wednesday April 3 to Saturday April 6.

It promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing, musical extravaganza providing plenty of fun for all the family.

Roy Goody, 86, who has been director of the Gang Show for the last five years, said that the shows have changed a lot in the last 64 years.

He said; "I was involved in the first two in 1938 and 1939, just before the start of the war. There was a break then until 1951 when the shows started up again. Up until 1969, the shows just featured boys performing on stage, but in the London Gang Show of that year, they had girls and we quickly followed on.

"Now the show features Scouts and Guides from all over Ipswich with songs, dances and sketches. There will be a performance from 25 junior Gang members, who are all aged eight and under.

"This is my 72nd year in the Scouts and the Gang show is still an important part of the year. For the youngsters, it is brilliant as they can make different friends from all over Ipswich and even as far as Hadleigh and Shotley.

"The whole show is for the benefit of the kids and promises good value for money. We are expecting people to attend from as far afield as Beccles and Bury St Edmunds."

n For Ipswich Gang Show 2002 information, contact the Corn Exchange Box Office from March 11 on 01473 433100 or www.ipswich-ents.co.uk