Organisers of the Oxford Gang Show think ticket sales have been hit by the recession.

The music and dance spectacular has been performed by Oxford’s Cub, Scout and Guide groups since 1951.

But director Kim Griffiths says year ticket sales have slumped to an all time low this year.

She said: “I remember when we used to sell about 10,000 tickets for the Gang Show. At the moment we have sold around 2,500 tickets, which is a lot less than I would expect at this point.

“I think the fact is that a lot of people have lost their jobs recently, and perhaps people are thinking the £7 they could spend on a ticket might be better spent elsewhere. Even some of the families of the performers are undecided about whether they are coming or not.”

Last year’s performance featured 14 cabaret acts, took six months to rehearse and cost £50,000 to stage.

More than 250 performers will take to the stage for this year’s show from March 10-14 at the New Theatre, in George Street, supported by about 100 backstage volunteers.

Ms Griffiths said extra effort had already been put into this year’s show, with volunteers travelling back to Oxford from all over the country to fill the orchestra positions.

Ms Griffiths said the show needed to sell about 6,500 tickets to cover costs and begin to raise money for its two chosen charities — Wheelpower, which provide sports wheelchairs for children and young people, and the delivery suite at the John Radcliffe Hospital’s Women’s Centre.

She said: “Events like this are a good tonic for people who might be feeling down.

“It’s also a cheap way of taking the kids out for a fun evening.”

For show details, and ticket information, go to oxfordgangshow.org.uk

Tickets, which cost £4.50-£10, can also be bought from the New Theatre box office on 0800 587 5007.