IT is almost time for audiences to meet the gang as an all-singing, all-dancing spectacular is set to hit the Oxford stage.

Hundreds of Scouts and Guides are taking part in this year's Oxford Gang Show.

And that means sleepless nights for the director, Kim Griffiths, as she prepares to put on six evenings of entertainment to wow the crowd at the New Theatre in George Street.

The production features a cast of 190 current and former Scouts and Guides putting on a total of seven shows at the theatre from Monday, March 10 to Saturday, March 15.

This year sees the production tackle 14 different cabaret numbers, including a Beatles tribute act, a Cops and Robbers musical and gospel song Joyful, Joyful - made famous in the film Sister Act 2 and featuring 90 people on stage at the same time.

Miss Griffiths said: "It's been going well.

"Last week was the first time we did a full run through - and this is when I start having sleepless nights.

"It went very well, but I don't want the cast getting complacent. They've worked really hard, but for about 80 of the children it's their first Gang Show and it's a whole new experience for them.

"They'll never have done anything like this in their lives before - and they might get quite a shock on opening night.

"We have worked with the orchestra for the first time now though, and we are where we should be at this stage. Next is the first dress rehearsal at the New Theatre, when the cast get really excited and nervous."

The director, who is now in her second year in charge of the Gang Show, added: "All the acts are my favourites at the moment. We have a really nice little number called Cop and Robbers though and the Beatles tribute should be interesting. There is something for everyone."

Tickets for the shows are selling well but there are still some available on each night. They cost between £4 and £10, and can be bought via the show's website, www.oxfordgangshow.org, or from the New Theatre box office or by calling 0844 8471585.