For many of the hundreds of people - young and old - who take part in the Oxford Gang Show, it is the highlight of the year.

Singers, dancers, writers and stage-hungry performers spend months preparing for the annual event, which is supported by the Oxford Mail, and many come back year after year to recreate the excitement and entertain the audiences.

The event has taken place at Oxford's New Theatre since the 1970s, but dates back to 1952.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from behind the scenes

Gang show originator Ralph Reader, who wrote more than 1,200 songs before his death in 1982, was a frequent visitor to the Oxford show.

And he used to say he always enjoyed it because he knew he would see a real gang show.

Among the acts in this year's performance - which as usual is a mixture of old gang show material and modern pop songs - are a Beatles tribute act, a Cops and Robbers musical and the gospel song Joyful, Joyful from the film Sister Act, featuring up to 90 people on stage at the same time.

Director Kim Griffiths, who has put her heart and soul into the show, said: "This is my second year as director and I can honestly say it is even scarier this year than last year.

"But thankfully I have a great team of people working with me and supporting the values and commitment it takes to make a great show.

"I can honestly say I am the luckiest and proudest director around.

"I may not have a West End cast but what a cracking team of people I do have. I would not want to work with anyone else."

This year's show runs from now until Saturday when there will be a matinee.

But budding actors and actresses in the scout and guide movement take note.

Would you like to be involved in the 2009 Oxford Gang Show, either on stage or behind the scenes?

Senior gang auditions take place on Sunday, September 28 at the 10th Oxford Scout HQ in William Street, off Marston Road.

Junior gang auditions take place on Saturday, November 9 at the same venue.