It's fun and it's traditional. The Southend gang show starts at the Palace Theatre for the half-term week, learns SALLY KING

Seventy young performers will burst onto the stage of the Palace Theatre on Monday for the latest Southend gang show.

It's a Date, as the millennium show is called, will feature 56 young performers and 14 young musicians in a dazzling display of dance, song, comedy and a special surprise item.

The performers are all aged between 13 and 18 with just a few older leaders helping out. Youngest member up on the stage is 3rd Westcliff guide Rachel Blatch, who was delighted and excited when she celebrated her 13th birthday just in time to squeeze into this production.

"It's family entertainment," says director Jacky Goddard. "There is something for everyone."

The orchestra may be made of just 14 youngsters, but they play 24 instruments between them.

Natalie Laight who sang an operatic solo when the group appeared in the Albert Hall, will not be singing this time.

The mezzo soprano will be busy in the orchestra, which is mainly made from wind and brass players. She is currently reading music at Cardiff where she plays principal clarinet in the university orchestra.

The group, which has appeared at various venues over the years, have settled into the Palace for their last few productions.

Luckily the theatre closure happened during the year that the bi-annual performance wasn't scheduled. However Jacky is happy to be at the theatre for this millennial production.

She said "We have appeared at all sorts of places from world jamborees to the Cliffs, the Albert Hall and small church halls."

The exciting programme will include a number performed to the Frog's chorus using ultra-violet light, and a special Irish dance, accompanied by a violinist from the young orchestra.

"We are the first amateur group to be appearing at the Palace since it re-opened," explained Jacky. "The management have been very supportive and helpful. It's been a very positive experience."

Maureen Darling, marketing manager at the Palace said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have them back. They are the first amateurs back on to the stage and we look forward to welcoming more of our talented local groups back to the theatre."

The guides and scouts performing in It's a Date are from all over south east Essex. Their friends, family and the lovers of variety entertainment have already been buying large numbers of tickets for the show.

This year it will run for five days rather than its traditional four day run and there are a few tickets still available. The show starts at 7.30pm each evening with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from the box office at the Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, phone 01702 342564.

Plenty of sparkle - a group of tap dancers prepare for an item called Talking Feet

Saxy lady - Christine Wendell gets ready to supply the music

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