Swindon Gang Show is moving up a gear this year incorporating a rock band into its show.

Musicians from the Scout and Guides movement have come together to form a new group, especially for the show. They join 70 Brownies, Cubs, Venture Scouts, Rangers, Scouts and Guides treading the boards of the Wyvern Theatre in a variety show.

Taking the producer's chair this year is Ian Selwood, who began in the Scout movement as a cub in the 1970s.

Ian takes over from Jane Harvey who is now the Chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the Gang Show.

Ian said: "Jane has been a fantastic support to me and helped so much. I shadowed her when she was the producer.

"I get a buzz from producing. As a child I was excited being in the Gang Show and made friends during the experience. Now, I want to do that for other young people.''

This year's show has a pot pourri of songs from the jazz of the 1930s to a Zombie number to Michael Jackson's Thriller. There is a Los Angeles roof top dance routing and a number of weather songs.

"We also have a mannequin dance which a group of girls choreographed themselves,'' said Ian.

Most of the dances are under the guiding hand of choreographers Kirsty Munday, Katherine Cooper and Holly Walters.

The production team started work on this Gang Show last spring, getting together various ideas. The cast was assembled in October ready for the start of rehearsals in November.

"We don't hold auditions, our mantra is there is a place for everyone,'' said Ian.

"We draw out individual strengths in singers, actors, dancers, everyone has a part in the show. There are no divas everybody is a star. Places are open to anyone over eight who is in the Scout or Guide movement.''

Ian says that scouting today has gone back to the basics of encouraging plenty of outdoor activities, tempting young people away from their computers for sports and camping, but he stresses Scouting is not just about knots.

"We cover the whole spectrum of sports and arts. We even have a creative challenge badge for arts, crafts, music - all elements of the arts,'' he said.

Joining Ian in the production team are Ben Wiltshire as musical director, Andrew Munday, Ian himself and Mark Cooper co-ordinating the sketches, and the wardrobe mistresses are Jackie Hanrahan and Denise Warner.

Swindon Gang Show runs from April 6 to April 8 and tickets are £10 from the box office on 01793 524481 or www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison