Hundreds of young actors and actresses are to be put through their paces to win the chance to perform on stage in Oxford.

This year's New Theatre Stage Experience will be the famous gangster-tale Bugsy Malone - and a cast of 300 eight to 18 year olds is needed.

Auditions are being held on Saturday when people with all acting abilities and experience are invited to come along.

Producer Emma Bentley said: "We are not looking for the world's best actors in Oxford, we are looking for people who would like to have a go.

"It's not a scary audition, it's not like Pop Idol or anything - it is a lot of fun."

She said Bugsy Malone, which was made into a hit film in 1976 starring Jodie Foster as temptress Tallulah, was particularly geared to a young cast.

Miss Bentley added: "It has got brilliant songs, it is great fun, and they get to run around the stage with splurge guns."

Last year, 900 youngsters turned out to audition to take part in High School Musical.

Among them was 12-year-old Katie Buchholz, from Murcott, near Kidlington, who won a place in the chorus - and subsequently landed the part of Jane Banks in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End.

Katie, a pupil at Headington Girls School, said: "I will be auditioning for Bugsy Malone, but I don't mind whether I get a main part or the chorus again because I still find it really fun. I want to be an actress when I grow up."

Bugsy Malone will be performed at the New Theatre from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9.

Those chosen will spend two weeks in rehearsals, from July 27, before taking to the stage in front of 1,800 people a night.

Auditions for those with surnames starting with A-L will start at 9am on Saturday and for those with surname from M-Z will start at 1pm.

Applications can be filled out online at newtheatreoxford.org.uk but people can also turn up on the day.