Up on stage!
24. Gang Show 2003
Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 April 2003
You've come a long way since Mr Big and The Jolly Postman, Jamie Man. And I know I'm very fortunate to have so many of the different performances on video. Scenes to go back to ... when the time is right. School Fun Days, pantomimes, the Talent Show. It was a busy and exciting road that led you to the stage of Eden Court Theatre in Inverness - the only boy from the Aviemore Pack in the Gang Show, twice over.
I had a long talk with Iain Macdonald, the Gang Show Director, when we all went back to the Carr-Bridge Hotel after the funeral. He was one of the six Cub and Scout leaders who held the cords with Kyle and I as we lowered your coffin down into the grave. Taking part in the Gang Show demands a big commitment. Rehearsals every week for six months, leading up to the five performances in the Easter holidays. By the time that's all over everyone involved is like one of a family. All feeling the loss.
My abiding image of this year's Show will always be that build up to the Grand Finale, when every single member of the cast paraded across the stage waving to the audience. And there you were, in the kilt that Mum had hired for you and smiling all the way. No wonder you won one of the Best Smile awards each time you were in the Show, Wee Man. So happy to be part of the team. Already looking forward eagerly to next time ...
Like you wrote in class after your first Gang Show:
The best place I've ever been ... behind stage at Eden Court
When I was a star ... when I was in Eden Court
Programmes: from the Inverness Area Gang Show 2001, 2003
Keystone Cops: photo by Phil Downie for the Inverness Courier
J Click on your "Back" button to return to the place where you were up to,
or here for the opening Hey,Mr Big! page