Marriage proposal steals Gang Show finalé at Regent in Christchurch

As the cast of this year’s Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show, on Saturday 18 February, prepared to sing their traditional end of show signature song, ‘On the Crest of a Wave’, the producer, Chris Root, called a halt to the proceedings and ushered Mark Dolan on to the stage.

The cast of Scouts and Guides and their audience of over 300 Gang Show fans watched in open-mouthed amazement as Mark got down on one knee to propose to his partner and long-time Gang Show participant, Beckie Shaylor.

In tears of Joy, Beckie nearly caused an upset as she gave Mark the wrong hand for the ring, but he had not got this far to be thwarted at the last minute and coolly placed the engagement ring on the wrong hand, which Beckie soon corrected once she was backstage. Meanwhile, the cast and audience broke into spontaneous applause and cheers as the blushing bride-to-be had no hesitation in accepting Mark’s proposal.

Mark confessed the proposal took a lot of top secret planning. He had originally wanted to propose to Beckie in the balloon in Bournemouth Gardens when it was at full height, but the best laid plans had to be changed when the balloon disappeared. The Gang Show was the obvious replacement, because Beckie has been involved with the Gang Show since the tender age of eight and it has always been such an important part of her family’s life.

Beckie’s parents were in on the secret as Mark had sought their permission to put the all-important question to their daughter. It only remained to bring the Gang Show producer, Chris Root, into his confidence. It obviously helped that Chris is also the chairman of the Regent Board and he was only too happy to help the cause of true love.

In the end it was Beckie and Mark who were riding along on the crest of a wave.

Mark said, “I was pretty sure that Beckie would say ‘Yes’ but I was very nervous as I watched the show from the stalls, knowing that the moment I would take centre stage was getting closer and closer.”

Meanwhile, Beckie said, “As soon as I saw Mark appear from the wings, I knew this would be the happiest moment of my life and then promptly burst into tears with my mum who was with me. The rest is a bit of a blur but when everyone started applauding and congratulating us, I knew it was not just a dream. It was absolutely amazing and even the younger Scouts and Guides were in tears, but then they were as excited as we are.”

This is the first time that there has ever been a real live proposal of marriage on stage at the Regent and Chris said, “Who knows who else will take inspiration from Beckie and Mark’s happiness. Cinemas have always been a traditional place to take your loved one for a night out and the Regent may have to consider installing special love seats just for two in the auditorium. Everyone at the Regent Centre would like to congratulate Beckie and Mark and wish them every happiness for the future.We would also like to thank them for choosing the Regent to pop the question.”