IF IT ain't broke, don't fix it. The Scout Movement stuck to its tried and tested formula last night when staging its two-yearly stage spectacular.

There were ambitious song-and-dance routines punctuated by comedy sketches with the show building up to a passion-charged climax urging the world to work in union to achieve peace.

This is traditional family entertainment that has not changed much since Ralph Reader, returning from America after a successful Broadway career, staged the first Gang Show in London in October 1932.

York Gang Show is a wonderful advert for today's youth. It enables youngsters to blossom as individuals. It builds their confidence, encourages them to be team players and teaches them that nothing worthwhile is achieved without good, honest hard graft.

The Audition sketch shows that comedy does not require words to get a laugh.

The costumes in the Moulin Rouge sequence are simply stunning and the choreography works well, as the dancers, hinting at boisterous urban decadence, skirt round a water fountain.

Flying is another successful song-and-dance number. Its biplane set pays homage to escapist 1930s Hollywood musicals, and enables those magnificent men in their flying machines to shine.

Moustaches, leather jackets and lengths of wire strategically placed in white flying scarves come into their own, as do the absurd breeches that should have a "Caution: Extra wide load" sign attached to them.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, November 25, 2004