Camberwell Showtime

Camberwell Showtime began in 1965 in the tradition and format of the original London Gang Show which ran from 1932 to 1974. Its 43 years led to a flood of similar Scout shows around the world, including dozens in Australia. For its first 18 shows Camberwell Showtime followed the tradition revue format of songs and comedy sketches, but in 1984 the local team decided to forge a new style which was Australian, contemporary and youth-centred. The shows became thematic, rather than of a revue style. Through music and comedy, the scripts have tackled family-oriented themes including peer pressure, conformity, consumerism, substance abuse, developing sexuality, even contraception. Musically, the traditional orchestra segued from piano, drums and brass to a live rock band, usually on-stage with the cast. Tackling contemporary issues for a broad age-range is like walking a tight-rope. Camberwell Showtime is a family-based show which focuses on young people aged 8-18, but it must also entertain and interest younger children and adults through to grandparents. The show enjoys a unique reputation for original music, strong comedy and testing the boundaries. Apart from the local audience of more than 3000, each year the show attracts hundreds of supporters from throughout Australia, and occassionally overseas (UK, NZ, Asia)