HAVE you got the ‘Ox’ factor? That’s the question the organisers of The Ox Factor 2011 are posing to the people of Oxfordshire as they look for performers to audition for this year’s talent competition.

Wantage Stage Musical Company is looking to replicate the success of last year’s contest which saw a thrilling final showcasing a wide variety of acts. So, if you are a singer, dancer, comedian or entertainer of any kind, now is the time to put the audition dates in your diary.

The auditions, being held at Old Mill Hall, Grove, on Saturday, July 2, and Saturday, July 23, from 5 to 10pm, are open to all ages and the organisers say any type of acts will be welcome — they might also include magicians, musicians, bands, acrobats and jugglers. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Organiser and WSMC chairman Rob Thorpe said: “We are seeking a variety of talented people to come along and audition in front of a panel of judges.”

The best acts from the auditions will be invited to perform at the final on Saturday, August 6, at the Cornerstone arts centre, Didcot, when a £250 cash prize is on offer to the winner.

“We are also hoping to have talent scouts in the audience for the final,” said Mr Thorpe.

There is a one-off audition fee of £10 per act (or £8 if the audition slot is pre-booked) and members of the public can watch the auditions taking place for a fee of £2.50 per person. However, each act is allowed to bring along one spectator free of charge.

Mr Thorpe said performers should contact himself on 07599 106539 or Linda Collins on 01235 766399 as soon as possible so they could be sent an application form and allocated an audition slot.

The judging panel for the competition, which is also open to people from surrounding counties, will again include presenter Louisa Hannan, of BBC Radio Oxford.

Mr Thorpe said: “This event is ultimately being organised as a fundraiser to enable Wantage Stage Musical to continue providing the local community with an excellent quality of amateur theatre productions, but also as a fantastic event for the whole of Oxfordshire and beyond to become involved in.”

Application forms for the competition can also be downloaded from the WSMC website at: www.wantagestagemusical.co.uk