PERFORMERS have been putting the finishing touches to their show-stopping musical extravaganza being hosted by Oxfordshire’s Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies.

The 165 strong cast are taking centre stage at Oxford’s New Theatre for next week’s Oxford Gang Show.

Starring youngsters from all corners of Oxfordshire, it promises music, singing, dancing and comedy.

The 14 sketches feature some eye-catching costumes and technical wizardry, including a 20ft horseshoe.

Producers have also taken inspiration from the hit musical Wicked for one sketch, which features a host of trainee witches and songs from the show.

Director Kim Griffiths said: “The Gang Show is just another opportunity the Scout and Guide Association offers to young people – as well as offering them things like first aid and life skills, we offer them the opportunity to perform.

“The whole idea is for them to get a feel for what it is like to be in a production – for them to be able to develop their skills and take a leading role, so maybe later on some of them can become producers themselves.

“Many of them continue in performing arts.

“It’s not just kids standing on stage singing and dancing, it’s got a lot more punch to it than that.

“For the first time we’ve got 100 people dancing on the stage. They are all very excited about that one.

“Backstage the atmosphere is buzzing, they really feel like stars, they are dying to get out and show people what they’ve been doing.

“They are very proud of what they’ve been doing and I’m very proud of them.”

The six shows run from Tuesday to Saturday.

Tickets cost between £6.50 and £11 from the theatre box office in George Street.