Kara Boustead – Director
Kara joined the Worthing Scout and Guide Gangshow in 1999 as a cast member, in 2009 she moved over to the production team as choreographer and stage manager. She now continues in the production team additionally taking on the role of Director and is looking forward to her future years with the Gang.
“I’d like to say Gangshow has been one of the most inspiring things in my life. The fun had and friendships made along the way are irreplaceable. It’s great to be able to assist putting together, not only a great show but also watching and helping young people over the years grow and achieve their best. Here’s to the next year and beyond!”
Matt Pike – Production Manager
Matthew has been involved with Worthing Gangshow since 2011 as part of the technical team and joined the production team as technical advisor in 2019. He is Deputy County Commissioner for West Sussex Scouts and also is the Technical Manager for Billingshurst Scout and Guide Gangshow.
Matthew graduated from Northbrook College with a BA in Theatre Arts specialising in Production Management, Lighting Design and Stage Management. Matthew is Head of Technical, Production and Buildings for Worthing Theatres and Museum Trust and is responsible for all technical and buildings needs for the 4 venues in Worthing.
Matthew works as a freelance lighting designer and has worked with a number of companies in the Worthing area. Most recent of these was designing for BROS Musical Productions in Bognor Regis on their production of Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has also designed for CAOS Musical Productions on Half a Sixpence and worked with the Arundel Players on productions of Chess, Little Voice and 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. Matthew has designed for Worthing Musical Theatre Company for many years and has designed for their productions of Bad Girls the Musical, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Legally Blonde and Hairspray.
Matthew is proud to be a founding member of Conn Artists Theatre Company and has worked on every production the company has produced. Matthew has enjoyed touring with The Four Men in autumn 2017, Silas Marner in autumn 2019 and the most recent production of A Perfect Likeness in Summer / Autumn 2021
Mark – Senior Gang Producer
Mark first treaded the boards with Worthing Gang Show as a Cub scout in 1983 and has not missed being involved with a show since then. He is Deputy District Commissioner for Worthing Scouts. Mark has Stage and Production Managed local amateur shows over the recent years until family came along. Talking of family, the whole family are involved! Lou is running the Wardrobe; Georgia is on the stage and Fin is running around back stage delivering props!
‘Being part of the Gang is something you never forget and friendships from way back when still continue to this day. It is something that gets set in you and you always miss being part of the Gang. After many months of rehearsing Show week will be upon us and the buzz and excitement backstage will build to a frenzy.’
‘Please, come and see the show, even better join the gang! You will love it!’
Kelly O’Haire – Publicity/Social Media
Kelly O’Haire has been involved in Guiding and Scouting since she was 7. She took part in 3 Gang Shows and has been a volunteer for many more. When she’s not helping out at Gang Show, Kelly works as a marketing professional so she really is the best placed person to be looking after our PR, Marketing and Social Media. Email her here – publicity_gangshow@worthing-scouts.org.uk
Zoe Walker – Worthing Cissbury Division Commissioner
Zoë has been in Guiding in Worthing since she was a 13th Worthing Brownie. She has been to watch many of the Gang Show performances and thoroughly enjoyed helping backstage at the last show. Zoë has been a leader at Brownies, Guides and Rangers over the years and is on the Gang Show Business Team in her role as Cissbury Division Commissioner.
Lucy Poole – Junior Gang Producer
I joined Worthing Gangshow in 2022 as part of the production team, assisting Kara in choreography. In 2023, I have moved to being the producer of the Junior Gang while still helping out the Senior Production team and choreography.
I graduated Worthing College Performing Arts with Distinctions * in level 3 music and level 3 Creative and Performing Arts. While now running a theatre company to support young performers within the local area, I am teaching performing arts within a local primary school and have just graduated my level 6 teaching with the arts.
I now am studying a MA in business enterprise at WaterBear College of Music to develop my theatre company and outreach to more young people who love performing.
Karen Hopper – Chair of Business Team
Karen has been involved in the show for the past 8 years and has supported the show when her daughter first appeared on stage as a Brownie. Karen is Chair of the Business Team this show and has taken various roles over the year’s including Assistant Division Commissioner, Friends of Gang Show co-ordinator and T-Shirt co-ordinator, having introduced rehearsal t-shirts a couple of years ago.
Karen is very excited to be part of this year’s gang show again and has been successful in securing £1,500 from Tesco Bags for Help for the Gang Show website. She is looking forward to another successful show.
Sarah Thorpe – Cast Liaison
Sarah took part in the gang show from 1987-1995 and has since helped out with the Junior Gang in 1997 and 2017. She also appeared in the show in 2007 as part of ‘Den’s gang’ a number performed by ex cast members in memory of Dennis Hudson the shows producer for many years.
Debra Phillips – Worthing Highdown Division Commissioner
Debra started off her Guiding adventure as a Brownie at 2nd Goring-by-Sea Brownies and then became a Guide at 2nd Goring-by-Sea Guides. Debra is now the Leader of 5th & 6th Goring-by-Sea Brownies and is a Leader with 2nd Goring-by-Sea Guides. During her time in Guiding, she has also been District Commissioner for Goring East District and Brownie Holiday Adviser. She is now on the Gang Show Business Team in her role as Worthing Highdown Division Commissioner.