The Cumberland Gang Show is a way of life for this family

For hundreds of Scouts, July means one thing — the annual Cumberland Gang Show. For the Wardell family, it has been a way of life for 30 years.

Narelle Sauerbier with brother Adam Wardell and their mum Jenny have been part of the Cumberland Gang Show for 30 years. Picture: Tim Searle Photography

For hundreds of Scouts, July means one thing — the annual Cumberland Gang Show.

Scouts and Guides from across western Sydney spend 5000 hours rehearsing for the show, which opens in Parramatta on July 13.

For Glenwood’s Jenny Wardell, her son Adam and daughter Narelle, the show has been part of their life for 30 years.

The trio joined the show in 1989 when Adam was a cub Scout.

Ms Wardell, of Glenwood, said the family was inspired to join after watching the Cumberland Gang Show’s performance at the 1986 Australian Jamboree.

“What took my attention was the family atmosphere,” Ms Wardell said.

She saw her children’s confidence and self-esteem grow, and watched as they made lifelong friends.

“It just became a part of our lives,” she said.

“ … One year led to the next and to the next and the next … and we hit 30 years.”

Ms Wardell, who is now a welfare director for the show, said the trio had enjoyed it “immensely”.

“When I look back I can still remember the first night I turned up at rehearsals, I can remember the first audition that Adam and Narelle did — it’s ingrained in my memories.

“It’s just become a way of life, it’s just what we do.”

Adam Wardell, who is playing guitar in the Cumberland Gang Show, with 10-year-old daughter Keira who is also part of the show. Picture: Tim Searle Photography

Cherrybrook’s Adam was 10 when he first appeared in the show and it has been a major part of his life since.

He met his wife Melissa through the show and their daughter Keira — who is now the same age as Adam was when he joined — was also in the cast.

His eight-year-old son Hayden is also eager to join when he is old enough.

“I’ve been there for three quarters of my life so I can’t imagine my life without it,” Mr Wardell said.

For Mr Wardell and his sister Narelle Sauerbier, they have spent the past two decades giving back to the show that gave them so much as children.

Mrs Sauerbier, of Baulkham Hills, was one of the first girl Scouts to join the cast in 1990.

This year she is a Comet Commander, which involves looking after the younger cast members.

“I enjoy that side because I’m giving back what I gained out of Gang Show,” she said.

“It’s giving them excitement and all of the fun.”

The Cumberland Gang Show celebrates its 50th year next year and for Mr Wardell it has always represented one thing.

“The show is all about fun — it’s fun for the cast, fun for the audience and it’s fun backstage,” he said.

This year’s show, Feel The Beat, features more than 150 cast members each with 14 costume changes, a 20-piece orchestra and 25 set changes.

Skits range from a trip to Mars, a tourism advertisement about crocodiles and a medley of contemporary popular songs.

Feel The Beatopens on July 13 and runs until July 21 at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta.