It's a Date 2016 marked the 50th year of Southend Gang Show, and what a show to celebrate.

Southend Scout and Guide Gang Show celebrated their 50^th anniversary by performing their biannual variety show It’s a Date over February half term. Performed at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, the 70 strong cast entertained audiences with six stand out shows.

It’s a Date 2016 gave Scouts and Guides from the Southend area the chance to sing, dance and act in front of a live audience of over 300! With items ranging from a doctors surgery comedy sketch to a West End musical medley, there really was something for everyone. First performed in 1966 It’s a Date 2016 is now a highlight in the Scouting and Guiding calendar and the 2016 show was really one to remember.

Tim Browne, Show Manager of Southend Gang Show spoke about It’s a Date 2016, saying: “All of the cast and adult volunteers have put so much time and effort into rehearsals over the past six months. It was incredibly rewarding to see all that hard work pay off with the fantastic performances. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved!”

The cast was supported by over 50 adult volunteers who took bookings, sold tickets, arranged props, set the stage, organised the lights and designed show items.

Jake Inwood, a cast member, said: “Performing at the Palace Theatre has been amazing, the audiences have been brilliant every night and I’ve enjoyed everything about Southend Gang show. A big thank you to all the adult volunteers who have made this week possible!”