Oxford Gang Show may have been running for more than 50 years - but it has not lost any of its passion.

Tonight nearly 200 performers - aged from eight to over 70 - put on their make-up and donned colourful costumes for the opening show of this year's week-long event.

The show, which includes 14 cabaret acts, is running every night this week at the New Theatre, in George Street.

It took six months to rehearse and has cost £50,000 to stage.

The Gang Show is one of the biggest events for Scouting and Guiding in Oxfordshire, and provides a great opportunity for young people to test themselves and make new friends.

Director Kim Griffiths said: "The kids have worked really hard and this week just makes it all worthwhile for everyone."

Mrs Griffiths said that planning for one year's Gang Show began almost immediately the previous one ended its run.

"We'll find a song which a producer likes and they will think of a story that goes with that song," she said.

Auditions and rehearsals take six months and thousands of hours of work is pumped into making the show the best it could possibly be.

The Oxford Mail is publishing a special supplement on Thursday, packed with photographs from the show, cast lists and information about all the acts and producers. Readers will also be able to take a behind-the-scenes peak, and watch interviews with producers and performers on video at www.oxfordmail.co.uk Tickets for the show are still available, priced between £4 and £10, and are available from the box office on 0844 8471585 or at www.oxfordgangshow.org