‘HAVE you got The Ox Factor?’ is the question being posed to people by the organisers of an annual talent contest.

Wantage Stage Musical Company is looking for performers of all kinds, from singers and dancers to jugglers and comedians, to audition for The Ox Factor 2012 competition.

The overall winner will walk away with a cash prize and there will also be a separate award for the best vocal performance.

Entries are being invited for auditions being staged at Wantage Methodist Church Hall in Newbury Street, Wantage, on two Saturdays next month – June 2 and 16 – with the selected acts going through to the grand final at the town’s Shush the Venue nightclub, also in Newbury Street, on Saturday, July 21.

Organiser Rob Thorpe said: “It is such a good way to showcase local talent and to give everyone a chance to perform in front of an audience at a fantastic venue in Wantage.

“This is the third year of The Ox Factor and previous finalists have thoroughly enjoyed their experience.”

The winner last year was singer Dale Bligdon, who said: “It is an amazing experience. Everyone is so supportive behind the scenes.

“If anyone has a talent, I strongly suggest you go for it. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and achieved. Good luck!”

Rob said: “We are looking for a wide variety of talents – singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and comedians – whatever your talent, we want you to audition.”

A performer with WSMC, he said: “We are always looking for new members for the company and this is certainly a fun way to raise our profile in the area.

“We had a great success putting on The Little Shop of Horrors at Shush at Easter, but shows are expensive to put on and this is one way we can raise funds while having a wonderful time and enjoying the amazing talents people have.

“People with no experience shouldn’t be put off. Come along and have a go. After all, it’s good healthy fun, what have you got to lose?”

There is a one-off audition fee of £10, or £8 if you pre-book a slot.

An application form can be downloaded from: www.WantageStageMusical.co.uk The judges for the final will include Lesley Philips, director of Amegos theatre production company.