Scouts are preparing to bring the curtain down on more than 30 years of history with a spectacular show.
More than 120 members of Heston & Isleworth Scout District, aged from six to 63, will take to the stage later this month for aptly-titled variety show The Finale.
It will be the last performance by the group, which merged with the neighbouring districts of Acton, Brentford & Chiswick and Feltham at the beginning of the year to form Thameside Grand Union district.
Heston & Isleworth Scouts staged the first of the bi-annual extravaganzas in 1978 and they have proved hugely popular ever since.
Co-organiser Jackie Fairweather said cubs, brownies, scouts, guides and their leaders had spent months perfecting their routines, along with about 60 volunteers who have been working behind the scenes.
"We're quite famous in gang show circles and this is a very high quality show, with a turnover of £35,000," she added. "The children are absolutely fabulous and they've got some wonderful costumes which have been handmade by volunteers.
"It's going to be sad to see the final show because there's such a lovely bunch of people involved who I've really enjoyed working with over the years."
Based on an original idea by Ralph Reader, the show is packed with song and dance routines, with a liberal sprinkling of humour. It will contain a range of modern numbers, along with some classics, designed to appeal to all the family.
Sentimental viewers will need their hankies at the ready for a rendition of Neil Sedaka's Our Last Song Together, before Mr Reader's Crest of a Wave brings the performance to an end.
• The Finale will be at the Beck Theatre, Hayes, from April 16-18 at 7.30pm every day, plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. For tickets, costing £12.50 (£8 concessions), call the box office on 020 8561 8371 or email: boxoffice@heston-isleworthgangshow.org.uk
