SINGERS, dancers and performers sent out a message after their final rehearsals last night - 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 begins today.

The cast of 190 have put their finishing touches to their two-hour show and held their final dress rehearsal and are now ready to amaze the hundreds expected to turn up.

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 are ready to show Oxford what we can do."

The youngsters will perform 14 different cabaret acts every night this week culminating in two shows on Saturday.

The production has taken six months to put together.

There are 14 different acts in the performance including a Beatles tribute act, a Cops and Robbers musical and gospel song Joyful Joyful, pictured, featuring 90 people on the 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 are 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 has enjoyed both performing and sitting in the audience.

She 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 is 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 are ready now. Its been a good week, but it has been hard."

Tickets cost between £4 and £10 and can be bought via the show's website www.oxfordgangshow.org, from the New Theatre box office or by calling 0844 8471585.