GRANDMOTHER Jane Harvey has 93 Scouts and Guides in her gang and she is getting them all up on the Wyvern Theatre stage next week.

The youngsters will be treading the boards in the Swindon Gang Show, which runs from next Wednesday to Saturday March 8.

Her own granddaughter Alisha, seven, is a Beaver and she can't wait until she is old enough to perform in the gang shows.

The age range goes from eight years old with no upper limit for the Scout leaders involved.

This is Jane's first shot at producing and to get some ideas she went to Blackpool to see the gang show there, involving more than 100 youngsters.

"I am glad I have under 100," she said. "It is my first time producing but I have been involved in nine gang shows in the past."

Jane runs the 17th Swindon Company, which has 22 members and is based at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill.

The Scout leader says that it is the look on the young faces when they are singing songs they know and love that makes the hard graft all worthwhile.

"It is the Walt Disney songs that the kids love best, particularly from the Lion King."

"Their faces all light up." Bringing the youngsters out of their shell is a big part of the gang show ethos and Jane loves to see the cubs and brownies blossom.

"The eight year olds are shy to start with and then suddenly they can't wait to get on stage and get that buzz," she said.

This year's gang show has 30 songs including Hard Knock Life from Annie, Joyful Joyful from Sister Act, some jazz numbers and songs from Joseph.

In between are comedy sketches, one of which was written by Scouter Dave Brookes from the 4th Swindon Company.

Giving Jane a helping hand with the choreography is Sarah Jefferies, 20 and Kirsty Simpkins, 21.

"They are also appearing in the gang show and doing a grand job," said Jane.

The Scouter has four children of her own, her two boys, Adrian and Paul, appearing in the gang show in the early days at the Wyvern Theatre.

She says that once it is in your blood there is no escaping it.

Scouter Dave Prior was in the first gang show at the Wyvern in 1983 and he is still helping out with the props.

The Swindon Gang Show starts at 7.30pm each night and has a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets are £9.50, concessions £8 from 01793 524481.