It’s curtain up on Swindon Gang Show’s 26th production, and this year the extravaganza has a poignant twist as Jane Harvey is hanging up her producer’s hat.

About 74 Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies and leaders perform Let Me Entertain You at the Wyvern Theatre over three nights.

The format of the Gang Show is a magical mix of music and comedy sketches, based on a formula originated by Ralph Reader although it was Robert Baden Powell, who founded the Scout and Guide Movement in 1907, on a camp at Brownsea Island, in Dorset.

The Swindon Gang Show takes to the stage every 18 months, and is presented by members of the Scout Association and Girlguiding UK.

For Jane the challenge of pulling off the gang show is both exciting and rewarding.

“I love it — I love seeing how the children gain in confidence over the weeks,” she said.

Although this is her last year as producer, having been at the helm for the last six years, Jane, who is the assistant District Commissioner of Swindon North District Scouts, is leaving her legacy in safe hands.

She said: “I have a young team helping me produce the gang show, they all work well together and the back stage crew build our scenery and the wardrobe ladies sew our costumes.”

The team are Ian Selwood as assistant producer, Ben Wiltshire as musical director and Kirsty Munday as choreographer.

There is a huge mix of musical styles and comedy in this year’s show including a selection of One Direction hits, a Back To The 1980s section and a special section just for the young ones.

“They are all dressed as toys and one of their songs is You’ve Got A Friend In Me from Toy Story,” said Jane.

The youngest member of the cast is just eight years old and the five soloists are Kayleigh Dunning, Leanne Newman, Erin Donnelly, Aiden Page and Peter York.

The show this year is in aid of Swindon Young Carers.

The finale is a mega mix of music for the audience to join in. Tickets to see the Swindon Gang Show which runs until Saturday, November 28 from 7.30pm are £12 for adults and £8 for concessions from 01793 524481.