Four dance-mad girls from a school in Oxford have been chosen to take part in a thigh-slapping musical at the New Theatre.

Connie Brady, 10, Isobel Brook, nine, Hannah Crook, nine, and Amy Paddick, 10, all attend the Vera Legge School of Dancing.

They have been chosen for musicals at the George Street theatre in the past — but were delighted when they were all selected for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which opens tomorrow night, and runs until Saturday.

Joanna Walton, 40, who runs the dance school based at Donnington Community Centre, said she was delighted the four girls had been chosen for the musical. They will sing and dance in the chorus.

She added: "I was in about eight productions of Joseph and three pantomimes at the New Theatre when I was a child and I have never forgotten it.

"I went on to dance college in London, where I did tap and ballet, but I always wanted to come back to the Vera Legge school to teach.

"Some of the pupils come for the fun and the exercise, while others are interested in appearing on stage in big productions.

"At the moment, we only have one boy, a three-year-old, but I would love it if we had a few more budding Billy Elliots."

She added: "The production company tells me the height requirements and I then recommend the girls.

"But the final say rests with the girls' schools, because they have to take Wednesday afternoon off for the matineé performance."

Amy Paddick, from Cowley, said: "I love going to the Vera Legge school and I'm really looking forward to being in Seven Brides."

Her mother Nicola, 38, added: "Amy was one of the orphans in Annie two years ago and she loved doing that. Then she was in Hello Dolly the next year.

"The dancing keeps her fit — she is always tapping her feet and dancing around — she loves it."

Earlier this year, Dubliner Susan McFadden, who stars in the New Theatre show along with Stephen Houghton, won Grease is the Word, Channel Five’s 10-week search for an actress to take on the role that Olivia Newton-John made famous in the 1970s.

In 2003 she entered You’re a Star, Irish TV’s search for a singer to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest.

She did not get through the initial public vote, but made it on to the show after a wildcard request by one of the judges, Kerry Katona.