Presented by Pennine Calder District Scouts and Calder Valley Guides at the Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden, until Saturday, May 10, the tightly-produced show fairly fizzes along.

It contains its fair share of fireworks and is filled with songs, sketches and dance from a variety of sources into a tightly produced birthday package for the public to enjoy.

A fast-moving first half ranged from younger gang members singing of life on the Spanish main in "Pirates In Training" to seasoned members of the team performing "The Lecturer", a classic sketch which tells you all you need to know about the art of throwing a custard pie.

An undoubted highlight was the showpiece birthday celebration number, complete with a giant cake and candles, suitably grand for the occasion. The cast's exuberance was perfect for the choice of numbers which include Kool and the Gang's whooping "Celebration" and Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday".

The act closer, "Perfect Day" found the gang dressed as a gospel choir, whipping away their outer togs to reveal multi-coloured coats underneath. The effect is visually stunning.

In the second half of the show a reprise of always popular Broadway numbers, complete with a talented trio of tap-dancers, preceded more high points in an excellent dance routine based around the musical "Cats" and - an ambitious choice - a trio of numbers from the stage version of "Billy Elliott".

Full marks to the choreographer and the gang stars who made a couple of difficult routines look easy.

Comedy from Ronnie Barker's pen ("Four Candles") and the stripping skeleton of "Skull Monty" provided a little saucy humour before the cast close the show with gang founder Ralph Reader classics "These Are The Times" and "Crest of a Wave".

Producer Rowena Goldthorpe and her team have chosen some of the very best material for the show and the mix of familiar favourites and adventurous new routines make it, rightly, one to remember.

She estimates around 3,000 people have been part of the gang since show number one. Only one has been in all 50 as Jackie McGoldrick again takes his place in this year's line-up.

And Todmorden's own Mr Gang Show, Philip Suthers, is hopefully attending the show from his Norfolk home this weekend. Philip and his late wife Dot put hours of their time into the show over many years and he will be warmly welcomed back for this special occasion.

l Tickets for the show are £7 (£5 for concessionary rates) and they can be bought in advance from Todmorden Tourist Information Centre with any unsold seats available at the box office on the night (doors open 7 pm for a 7.30 pm showtime). The show runs tonight, tomorrow and Saturday.