SCORES of young performers were riding along on a crest of a wave during the rousing finale of the latest York Gang Show.

The 80-strong cast, made up of Brownies, Cub Scouts, Guides, Scouts and various leaders, put their heart and soul into an entertaining variety show, that featured carefully choreographed song-and-dance numbers spiced up by live music and comedy sketches.

In this wonderful showcase for youthful exuberance, presented by the Scout Movement, it was a delight to see so much energy channelled in such a positive way, and witness so many youngsters blossom as individuals.

They were showcasing talents they did not realise they had when they started rehearsing for this show last summer.

The medley of Cliff Richard songs, featuring a red double-decker bus backdrop, worked well, as did Downtown, featuring the 1960s hits of Petula Clark, written by prolific composer Tony Hatch, who penned a warm tribute to the Gang Show in the programme.

The show's most ambitious segment, entitled Join The Circus, had members of the cast in extravagant costumes juggling, spinning plates, doing tricks with the diabolo, singing songs from Barnum, and even forming a human pyramid.

The medley of weather songs, sung by the younger members of the cast, was cuteness personified, while the comedy sketch Skool Blues poked fun at modern education. The contemporary takes on the evergreen fairy tales featuring Goldilocks and Snow White triggered many a laugh.

The York Gang Show, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until Saturday.

Sold out, phone 01904 658197 (6.30pm to 10pm) for returns only.