THE stage at the Regent in Christchurch has witnessed many moments of high drama over the years but none comes close to the real life drama that unfolded as this year’s Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show reached its climactic grand finale.

It was, however, an event that left the Christchurch couple involved just like the name of this year's Gang show 'On the Crest of a Wave'!

As the cast prepared to sing the traditional end of Gang Show signature song, “On the Crest of a Wave,” the Producer, Chris Root, suddenly called a halt to the proceedings and ushered Mark Dolan on to the stage.

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

With Beckie in tears of joy, there was nearly an upset as she gave Mark the wrong hand for the ring but Mark had not got this far to be thwarted at the last minute and coolly placed the engagement ring on Beckie’s wrong hand, which she 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 of marriage.

Mark, 33, had originally planned to propose to Beckie, 29, in the balloon in Bournemouth Gardens when it was at its full height but the best laid plans had to be changed when the balloon disappeared. Mark had originally wanted to propose on the balloon because neither he nor Beckie had been on it and he had to make up a series of ever-more elaborate excuses as to why they could not go up in it until he was ready!

And so the Gang Show was the obvious alternative choice of proposal site because Beckie has been involved with the Gang Show since she was eight and it has always been an important part of her family’s life.

Mark had already let Beckie’s parents in on the secret and had sought their permission to put the all-important question to their daughter. It only remained to bring the Gang Show producer, Chris Root, in to 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.

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.”

Bride-to-be 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!”

The Regent Centre commented: "This is the first time that there has ever been a real live proposal of marriage on stage at the Regent and 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 to wish them every happiness for the future. We would also like to thank them for choosing the Regent to pop the question!"