Gang Show hopefuls battled it out in front of judges at the weekend to win a place at next year’s all singing, all dancing extravaganza.

Talented Brownies, Beavers, Scouts, Cubs and Guides, aged between eight and 12, gathered at the Scout Hut in William Street, Marston, Oxford, anxious to be offered a place in the junior section of the Oxfordshire Gang Show.

The annual show involves more than 250 children and teenagers from groups across the county.

On Saturday, about 50 youngsters took it in turns to show off their acting, singing and dancing skills, before being interviewed by the show’s producers.

Show director for the third year Kim Griffiths said she was impressed by the turn-out and how talented the children were.

She said: “We try to look for average children.

“We want them to come and feel comfortable and learn new skills and develop themselves in a very positive way.

“Taking part in the Gang Show opens up doors to so many other opportunities and gives them a chance to do things they didn’t know they could do, and you don’t get that in other shows.

“We are much more of a gang here and everyone encourages everyone else.

“In the audition, we asked them to do quite basic stuff, sing something they know or Happy Birthday, it depends on their level and ability.”

Beaver Mark Allen, seven, of Wolvercote, Oxford, said: “I thought I would have a go and try it, if I don’t get in, better luck next year.

“I wanted to try because I like singing and dancing and it’s just about having fun.

“I saw the show and my favourite bit was the finale and it made me want to be in it.”

Ten-year-old Guide, Catherine Butler, from Bicester, said: “I have never done this before. I want to do it because it’s a chance for some people to show others what they can do. We have been doing acting, singing and dancing. It was fun.

“The show is good because everyone, Guides, Brownies, and Scouts all get together to put on one big show and get all dressed up, and everyone makes friends.”

Brownie Elly Jebbett, nine, of Victoria Road, Oxford, said: “It was sort of nervewracking but fun at the same time.

“I have seen the Gang Show lots of times and I wanted to be in it once I saw one of my friends do it and she liked it.”

The junior section – made up of about 80 or 90 performers – will take to the stage for a 20 minute slot in the show.

Dressed in 1920s costumes, the performance will be based on the theme of day out at the seaside and they will be singing and dancing in front of a background beach huts.

The senior section, made up of Guides, Rangers – older Guides – and Scouts, has already begun rehearsing following auditions earlier this year.

The Gang Show takes place next March, at the New Theatre in George Street, Oxford.