Star in show

Preparations for the all-singing, all-dancing performance, which will be staged in March next year, are already under way and organisers hope youngsters will turn out in their hundreds tomorrow.

Auditions for those aged 11 and over will be held at the Scout headquarters in William Street, off Marston Road, from 2pm.

Organisers of the Gang Show, which is now in its 56th year, said it offered young people the chance to learn theatre skills and perform on the stage of Oxford's New Theatre. Kim Griffiths, who is directing the show for the third year running, said: "Appearing in the Gang Show is a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity and a great experience for young people.

"There will be auditions for singing, dancing and acting, followed by an interview.

"And hopefuls are told on the day if they have been successful or not.

"Everyone is welcome to try out and if they're not successful, as sometimes we just have so many people.

"We do have a reserve list, in case anyone drops out. "

The cast chosen for the show, which will run from March 9 to 14 next year, will perform a mix of 14 different items of singing, dancing and acting.

They will also be backed by a team of more than 100 stage crew and musicians.

Ms Griffiths said: "We do tend to attract more girls than boys, so we hope that some more young men will come and have a go, as it can be very difficult to cast females in male roles.

"The auditions will be very simple and there will be no need to prepare anything in advance. We provide everything.

"Singing auditions can be held as part of a group or as a solo and then there will be a very small basic dance routine, just to demonstrate a bit of movement."

The Scout Hut in William Kimber Crescent, Headington, where sets and props for the show are made, is back in action after arson attacks last year, with extra security measures to deter vandals.

For more information about the auditions, call Ms Griffiths on 07800 821912 or email kim-griffiths@sky.com