Dozens of youngsters went through their performing paces yesterday as organisers of Oxford's Gang Show vowed to stage the event next year despite two arson attacks.

There were fears the show could be shelved after 55 years because the scout hut in William Kimber Crescent, Headington, where the scenery and props were built, is to be bulldozed following the two blazes.

But, as the first round of auditions were held yesterday, Gang Show chairman Graham Ledger vowed the show will go on, with tickets going on sale later this month, despite the setbacks.

Yesterday's auditions were for the "senior gang" cast, with more than 50 adults and Scouts and Guides aged 11 upwards showing off their performing talents.

The first fire was in February, when a large number of sets were destroyed, weeks before the annual variety performance in March at Oxford's New Theatre. The production, sponsored by the Oxford Mail, went ahead as usual, but the hut was torched again in May, severely damaging the walls and roof.

The Gang Show is a two-and-a-half hour production which includes singing, dancing, music and comedy sketches performed by Scouts and Guides.

Mr Ledger said: "The auditions have been very good, with a good number of people turning up.

"It is a huge step forward for us after the fires.

"After the auditions we will start rehearsing with our cast, and look to recruit our junior gang of those aged under 11 in November.

"It is six months of hard work rehearsing, but when they get on the stage it will be the opportunity of a lifetime.

"A lot of youngsters who take part go on to professional careers in the entertainment industry."

"We are determined we will be here putting a show on stage in 2007. Last time we looked at it everything was up in the air, and it is going to be a challenge - but everyone is committed to it.

"If anyone reading this has a building or an area of land we can use to rebuild that would be great."

Police are still investigating the arson attacks.

The junior gang auditions are set to take place on Saturday, November 11 at the 10th Oxford Scout headquarters, William Street, Oxford, at 1.30pm, and will be open to those born between March 18, 1994, and March 11, 1999.

There will be a preview Evening with the Oxford Gang Show on Saturday, January 27, at Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's.

The Gang Show itself takes place between Monday, March 12, and Saturday, March 17, 2007 at the New Theatre, George Street, Oxford.

For more information visit www.oxfordgangshow.org.uk or email info@oxfordgangshow.org.uk