Scouts and Guides from across Oxfordshire put on their dancing shoes to audition for a coveted place in the 2008 Oxford Gang Show.

The show, which is staged at the New Theatre, in George Street, will run from March 10-15, but preparations start well in advance and auditioning the cast is a key part of achieving a successful production.

About 100 youngsters aged eight to 12 were put through their paces on Saturday at the Oxford Scout HQ in William Street, off Marston Road, Oxford.

Director Kim Griffiths, in charge for the second year, said: "There are acting, singing and dance auditions and there is also an interview, and the children get scores for each section.

"We get them to sing songs like I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing and songs from the musical Joseph, songs they might be familiar with at school.

"The children do get nervous but we try to reassure them and get them to enjoy themselves.

"We do have tears if children do not get picked and all those parents are given a letter to explain why their children have not got in.

"There is a reserve list until Christmas, so there is a second chance if you don't make it through the aud- ition."

Tamara Hutson, 14, from Kidlington, is looking forward to taking part in her seventh Gang Show performance next year.

The Marlborough School pupil said: "I keep coming back for more because I love acting, singing and danc- ing."

Paul Martin, 27, one of the musical directors, played keyboards at the audition.

The former Abingdon School pupil, who studied music at Bristol University, said: "I write the scores for the show. This is the third year I have been involved - I really enjoy taking part in this kind of production."

Mrs Griffiths said Gang Show organisers recently received an insurance payment after the scout hut containing the show's sets was set alight twice last year.

The fires at the building in William Kimber Crescent, Headington, in February and May last year caused £50,000 worth of damage and the Scout organisation is hoping to start rebuilding in the near future.

The stage sets are now made in Kennington and Mrs Griffiths said they hoped to be able to move back to their old premises shortly before the performances.

Tickets are on sale now and can be bought from the Gang Show website, www.oxfordgangshow.org.uk or from the New Theatre box office.