Singers, dancers and performers sent out a message after their final rehearsals yesterday- they are ready to wow the audience.

Hundreds of Scouts and Guides are taking part in the Oxford Gang Show at the New Theatre, in George Street, Oxford, which opens tonight.

The cast of 190 put their finishing touches to their two-hour show yesterday.

Director Kim Griffiths said: "It has really come together in the past few weeks. The last two rehearsals were absolutely electrifying and I have started to sleep at night again.

"The producers have come up with some amazing ideas and and we're ready to show Oxford what we can do."

The cast will perform 14 different cabaret acts every night this week, culminating with two shows on Saturday.

The production, which is supported by the Oxford Mail, has taken six months to put together.

All the colour and excitement of the show will appear in a special supplement in the Oxford Mail on Thursday. You will also be able to see some of their performance highlights on video at www.oxfordmail.co.uk Among the acts in the performance are a Beatles tribute act, a Cops and Robbers musical and the gospel song Joyful, Joyful, from the film Sister Act, featuring 90 people on stage at the same time.

Yesterday, many of the cast said they were looking forward to the opening night. Grace Lockwood, 13, of Witney, said: "It's going to be fun. But I will be nervous on Saturday, because a lot of my friends and family are coming to watch."

Helen Reed, 17, of Headington, is performing for the seventh time. She said: "Every year is better than the last. I feel now we're just about ready."

Kaylie Hughes, 19, of Abingdon, is performing for the first time. She said: "I'm very nervous but looking forward to hearing the audience clapping when we all go on stage."

Katie Muir, 19, of Abingdon, said: " I'm sure the audience will enjoy it but being on stage is much better."

Imogen Treadwell, 19, of Cowley, said: "I'm doing more singing than acting this year and I'm nervous about it.

"The variety changes every year and there's always something new for everyone."

Louise Griffiths, 23, is producing part of the show for the first time after 15 years being on stage.

She said: "It has been a real challenge to move from performing to producing but I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"Everyone is nervous and I haven't been sleeping well. I think we're ready now. It has been a good week, but it has been hard."

Tickets for the Gang Show are still avaialable, priced between £4 and £10 and can be bought at the New Theatre box office, by calling 0844 847 1585, or online at www.oxfordgangshow.org