The first Handsworth Gang Show was staged on 21st December 1953, at the then-famed Aston Hippodrome in Birmingham. There was an all male cast of 90 scouts and leaders. The show was accompanied by two pianists and a drummer! Encoraged by its success it was repeated in 1955 with a full orchestra.

We have continued to stage a performance at least every two years since then, moving from the 'Aston Hip' to the Midlands Institute and then in 1967 to the Crescent Theatre, until its redevelopment in 1997. We then moved to the Old Repertory Theatre in Station Street where in 2003 we produced our Golden Jubilee Show. We now perform once again at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.
In 1967 we were awarded the coveted Red Neckerchief, and have continued to maintain a high standard since then. We have over the years progressed and moved with the times, whilst maintaining Ralph Readers Gang Show philosophy.
In 1969 15 'delightful' ladies joined the cast. In 1970 cubs were invited on stage and in 1987 the Guides joined us. In 2016 we will be bringing brownies onto stage to join us.
Handsworth Gang Show takes scouts and guides from the Tame Valley District of North Birmingham.
Scouts and Guides work together, rehearsing twice weekly for 6 months to put on the wonderful variety show that makes 'Gang Show' very much a show of today
We have been involved with: St. George's Day spectacular held in Centenary Square Birmingham.With 'Spitfire Gang, Birmingham Guides and Sutton Gang we have now performed two special one night only shows at Birmingham Town Hall in aid of the Lord Mayor's Charities. We have entertained the teams and visitors at 'Relay for Life' a 24 hour event held to raise money for cancer research. We have opened BrumJAM an international scouting camp held at Blackwell Camp site. In our 'off show' year we have performed shows for opening events, charity events, womens guild and centenary events as we feel it important we keep our young people connected to us and to scouting and guiding. Not forgetting our leaders who do a wonderful job voluntarily to ensure Birmingham has a firm commitment to scouting and guiding for young people. In 2014 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary Show. Performed twice at the Birmingham International Military Tattoo, once when were 50 and again when we were 60. Our choir regularly sings at the remembrance service at the scouting Cenotaph in Birmingham. We also support McMillan and have now had three successful coffee mornings!
But Gang Show is more than just a show - it is a group of very diverse people working together, from the young to the old, everyone has a part to play - and the outcome is Gang Show and lifelong friendships within the scouting and guiding movements.