Welcome to Southend Scout and Guide Gang Show's monthly feature 'Catching up with'. Here we will catch up with cast past and present as well as the adult volunteers who make It's a Date and SHINDIGS possible. 

This month we talk with Show Director, Jo Brown.

1. Introduce yourself and tell us what your role within Southend Gang Show is?
   
   Hello, I am Jo Brown (was Goddard) and I am currently the Director of the Show.
    
2. When was your first Southend Gang Show and how many shows have you now been a part of? 
   
   I have been involved in the show since birth – attending many rehearsals as a child while Mum and Dad were running the show. Since then I have taken on many performing and backstage roles
   
   In 1984, I made my very first appearance on stage as a Brownie.
   In 1986, I joined the 1st/6th Westcliff Scout and Guide band to play the glockenspiel for the Victory number.
   In 1988, I joined the cast properly and performed on stage until 1992.In 1994, I was studying to be a teacher at university, so popped home to play the flute in the orchestra pit.
   In 1996, whilst still at university, but on teaching practice in London, I was asked to conduct the show.
   By 1998, I was back in Southend full time and remained as conductor for a number of years. Later on I took over as Musical Director and took on the production of some items.
   In 2014 I took over the role as director from Jacky and have been doing this ever since.
   This show will be my 18th!
    
3. Best moment being a part of Southend Gang Show?
   
   Way too many to even mention. Although a few stick out:
   Being asked to be the MD for “Live 07” and conducting this show at the 02 Arena!
   Drumming in “I got Rhythm” at the Royal Albert Hall.
   Being the barmaid in “Upon the Stage” in 1990.
   Tap dancing to “The Sun has got his Hat on” – I still remember the routine!
   Seeing so many young people on stage enjoying what they are doing with smiles on their faces. When conducting the show, the contact between me and the performers is one to treasure – a smile from me, becomes a smile for them and a sigh of reassurance that they will be great.
   I do think the best best best thing, is the number of friends I have made over the years – Gang Show provides a close-knit
   group of friends who are always there when you need them. This makes Gang Show worthwhile and it is lovely to see my own children gaining these friendships as well.
    

4. What do you get out of being a part of Southend Gang Show and why do you think people should get involved in SHINDIGS 2017?
   
   I get the joy of seeing the youth performing on stage to an audience with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether it’s at the Palace Theatre, or at Shoebury with Shindigs, or even on the Jamboree stage, every performance is one to treasure.  It is all about getting the young people to step out of their comfort zones in a nurturing environment.
   
   If people can, they should join the show, be in the Junior Gang, the Main Gang, the Band or helping as adult volunteers. It is a real family affair and the comradery we all have makes us all feel at home with whatever we do.
    

5. Favourite Southend Gang Show item?
   
   So many, for so many reasons:
   
   Upon the Stage in 1990 (I was in it)
   From a Distance (everytime – love it!)
   Up Girls (the year I was in it!)
   Dreamboat (love the song)
   America (loved the flag when we did it at the Cliffs)
   The Navy item from 2016 year (I had tears every night!)
   Every Finale (they are always the most emotional part of the show)
   And so many more….

6. What have you been up to in the past few months since It’s a Date 2016?
   
   Since the last show, we have taken the cast to the Essex Jamboree and put Shindigs on.
   
   I have been really busy planning the programme for the next show, and it is all ready to go – looks very exciting and can’t wait to start.
    
7. What are you most looking forward to about the next It’s a Date?
   
   Seeing all the old Gang come back, seeing the Junior Gang grow into being in the main gang (including my own daughter!), and meeting all the new faces. The programme looks fab and I can’t wait to get the cast started.