BASINGSTOKE Gang Show celebrates its 40th anniversary for the best-selling and longest running amateur production in Hampshire. 

Dating back to the 1980s, this week the will be performing at the Haymarket in the Anvil theatre. 

The first performance of the Gang Show took place in 1964 performed by more than 200 Cubs and Scouts in their inaugural show. 

Back when the group formed only boys and men were allowed to join, more than 40 years later the group is now made up of both boys and girls. 

Over the years over 90,000 people have sat in the Haymarket theatre entertained by Cubs, Scouts, Guides, Explorers and Young Leaders from the local community. 

The production teams plan the entire event themselves including the choreography, set design and costumes all for the productions with the help of the volunteer staff. 

The show requires at least six months of rehearsals and consist of a variety show with a series of songs and dances with comedy sketches.

Productions of the show have been organised around the country with a range of Scouts, Cub, Explorers and Guides groups which team up for the annual show. 

As the show has progressed throughout the decades, each year has sported a different theme for the show which has been successful year on year. 

The Gang show is an entirely self-funded project costing £65,000 every year, made up of ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising. 

In addition to working with the cast of the show, the Gang Show also raises funds to ensure the benefits of Scouting and Guiding are available to all in the Basingstoke area. 

The show is set to perform 11 shows throughout 2020 with the first set of performances taking place from February 13 to February 22.

There will be further performances held throughout the year with tickets are available to buy from https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/ or on the door.