Even the Daleks wanted to join the gang of Scouts and Guides for this annual musical feast of song, music and dance.

The Gang Show is back in town at the New Theatre, Oxford, with a cast of more than 150 enthusiastic youngsters and their leaders.

After six months of rehearsals they finally realised their dream by presenting a show that could not fail to appeal to people of all ages.

But all could have gone so terrible wrong last month when fire ripped through their scenery store and damaged three quarters of the sets.

But the gang were determined that the show, supported by the Oxford Mail, would go on.

With the help of parents, friends and volunteers the sets were rebuilt in good time for the opening night.

Their efforts paved the way for a show that has evolved with the times, yet still gives young people a chance to act, sing and dance.

Unfortunately, the technical gremlins were out in force for the opening night on Monday.

An electric piano stopped working and there were lighting and curtain issues.

But true to form, the gang rode the crest of the wave to keep the show on the road, much to the delight of the lively family audience.

At around two hours, we were treated to a refreshing programme of musical numbers and sketches, produced by Robert Pocock, who is stepping down from the role this year.

The first half opened well with a Heaven and Hell routine, which was enhanced by some excellent lighting plots and featured songs such as Bat out Of Hell and Knocking on Heaven's Door.

Other well-choregraphed routines featured Alice Cooper's School's Out and Amarillo which got the audience clapping along.

A modern routine, Glow -- set to Rhythm is a Dancer, and perfomed in front of a vibrant Oxford Gang Show backdrop with cut-out shadow shapes of the young performers, showed just how the content has moved with the times over the years.

Even on-line shopping had a place in the performance as the audience showed much appreciation for the eBay Song.

Well-scripted sketches included a bizarre self-defence class where the students were taught to protect themselves from fruit attacks.

But just when we thought those Gang Show songs were lost for ever, we were treated to those famous classics.

The Oxford Gang Show continues daily until Saturday.

by Geoffrey Hedge