Photos: Supplied.
BY JAN NARY
When Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in 1907, he wanted it to develop citizenship, character and fitness. As well as outdoor survival, first aid and knot-tying, Baden-Powell – himself an actor – believed that playacting was a way of instilling self-confidence and culture in young people. The Scouts’ Gang Show has embodied that ideal and since 1978 the Redlands Scouts and Guides have presented the biennial musical variety show Redlands Revue.
Jo Turnbull, who joined the Maryborough Guides at the age of seven, has been involved in the Redlands Revue for 25 seasons; this is her sixth year as Production Director. As Production Director she directs the show and co-ordinates the Production Team, which includes singing, dancing, wardrobe, props and backstage crew.
Jo says that the cast and crew are a mix of ages and experience, some studying dance, voice and drama and others who have never stepped on stage. “It’s wonderful to see the ones who haven’t done anything who come in for one show, stay around and find that they can do things,” she says.
In her prior experience with the Gang Show, Jo performed for six years and worked backstage for four, and despite having been a “hoofer” (dancer) as a child, she’s positive about her current preferences.
“On stage is definitely NOT my thing now!” she laughs. “I’m happy to work behind the scenes and as an adult I find that it’s more fun to see the kids do stuff and watch them develop over the years. My sons have both been involved in the Redlands Revue and the youngest is part of the Production Team as is my daughter, who’s been on stage since she was nine.”
The 2024 show is titled Making Memories and includes some of the hits from previous productions, and some new pieces penned for their thirty-fifth year. The lights will go up on September 25, 26 and 27 – and Baden-Powell would be delighted.
For more information go to https://redlandsrevue.wixsite.com/redlandsrevue.
