“YOU will be entertained” is the message from almost 200 child performers who are unleashing a riot of colour, comedy, song and dance at a variety show extravaganza.

A total of 190 scouts and guides are this week enjoying their moment in the spotlight with six performances of the Oxford Gang Show at the New Theatre – which opens tonight.

And the cast and crew have defied slow ticket sales to put on the show of their lives, after pouring their sweat and tears into more than six months of rehearsals for the two-and-a-half hour spectacular.

By yesterday, 4,000 tickets had been sold. Organisers of the 58th annual Gang Show need to sell 2,000 more to reach their yearly average.

Director Kim Griffiths said: “People will be entertained.

“The kids have worked really, really hard and are doing me, and, of course, themselves, proud.

“Ticket sales are slow. In the present climate people don’t seem to be choosing to go to the theatre. But we hope word will now spread about the show, after its opening night.

“People are amazed by the performances we put on. We’re all amateurs, but for a few nights we feel like stars.

“For what you pay to see the gang show you can’t get better value for money.”

This year’s show features 14 acts including skits on Hollywood favourites such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Night at the Museum, as well as performances of songs by Mungo Jerry, Mama Cass, Christina Aguilera and Kool and the Gang.

Mhairi Angus, 13, from Headington, Oxford, said: “The Gang Show is really fun.

“It’s really good to perform on a professional stage.”

Peter Birch, 12, from Harwell, near Didcot, said: “It’s such a thrill and a buzz.

“When you get on stage you have just got to make the most of it because it doesn’t last long enough.”

Duncan Smith, 11, from Didcot, agreed. He said: “It’s a real rush of adrenaline.

“I’m just raring to go – and get back on stage!”

Tickets are priced between £4 and £10 and can be purchased on 08448471588 or from oxfordgangshow.org.uk