Ralph Reader CBE

Ralph the Broadway (USA) choreographer and producer, on his return to England and through his connections in Scouting was asked to produce a show with a cast of scouts to raise funds for a swimming pool at Downe Camp Site in Kent. During the rehearsal in that first show, the show was called The Gang All Here by a cast member.

The show was such a success the next year they named it The Gang Comes Back developed into just The Gang Show. The first show was staged at the Scala Theatre, off Tottenham Court Rd, for Three nights in October 1932. Music, Lyrics & production were by a "Holborn Rover".

In 1935, the pseudonym name " Holborn Rover" disappeared when it was then the people knew who the creator and driving force behind the Gang Show was. In 1937, a full length feature film called The Gang Show was produced, and the Gang Show was the first amateurs ever to appear in a Royal Command Performance 1957 & 1964. The queen honoured the Gang Show with her presence in 1954, 1962, & 1972.

In 1968 it was decided to include girls into the show, which was warmly welcomed by the cast of boys. Over the years many records and television appearances have been made , and sadly , the Gang's final performance was in 1974, as Ralph decided it was time to give up. The idea of the London Gang Show without Ralph was quite unthinkable, and the amateur theatre came to an end after 42 years. Finally, just before his 79th birthday in May 1982, Ralph died after a short illness. But his legacy lives on to this day.