Gangshows were the original creation of Ralph Reader, a Rover Scout in London who wrote and produced the first Gangshow in 1932 titled "The Gangs All Here." The format for the Gangshow was a revue or variety show, including song, dance and short comedy sketches.

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The original Gangshow was put together as a fundraising effort to raise money for a swimming pool at the local Scout Camp. While not a sell-out, the show raised enough funds for the pool and was well received. The founder of Scouting, Baden Powell, persuaded Reader to produce another show in 1933, titled "The Gang Comes Back." In 1934 the show became known as "The Gang Show" and Reader continued to write and produce the London Gangshow  until he retired in 1974.

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The members of the original Gangshow wanted an identifying feature and decided on a red scarf. Since the first show, the red scarf has become a worldwide symbol and each show having their own insignia on the point of the scarf. All shows have their own mark on the shows they produce, but all come together with one of Reader's signature tunes "On the Crest of a Wave."