Tickets are on sale for the Bristol Gang Show, which is returning to the Hippodrome after an outcry from Scouts over its cancellation.

The theatre called off the popular variety show earlier this year, despite hosting it for nearly 40 years.

Hippodrome management cited safety reasons when they broke the news to Avon Scouts that the show could not go on in October.

The decision sparked a storm of protest from the show's cast of 89, as well as behind-the-scenes volunteers, parents, previous performers and theatre-goers.

So talks between show organisers and the theatre led to new dates being arranged, and six performances will take place in the school holidays from February 18 to 21 – evenings and two matinees.

Avon Scouts' assistant county commissioner, Philip Bird, said the production was a showpiece for the scout movement and the youth of the Bristol area.

Rehearsals have been on since the summer and Mr Bird pledged "spectacular entertainment", with songs, dance and sketches.

Production director Sarah Haworth said: "The show includes songs from the musicals Billy Elliott and Hairspray, songs from Oliver! and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and tunes from Glenn Miller.

"The cast have worked hard in a short amount of time to produce one of the best shows to date.

"The thirst to learn and raise the standard even higher to put on a spectacular show from the young people has been outstanding."

Rebecca Whalley, a 16-year-old Bristol explorer scout, said: "I was in the audience for the last Bristol Gang Show.

"This time I'm in the cast and can't wait for the opening performance when I'll get to sing and dance for the audience."

Mark Doyle, 23, is a member of Scout Network – for 18 to 25-year-olds – and has been in the cast since 2002.

"The Bristol Gang Show is not just a show by Bristol scouts for Bristol scouts. It is aimed at anyone who enjoys live entertainment," he said.

The show has been held at the Hippodrome since 1972 and the cast for the 2009 show will include 32 first-timers. The youngest performers will be Luke Harper and Evie Dodge, both nine.

Tickets cost £12.50, with discounts for children, pensioners, families and groups.

They can be bought from the theatre's box office, with details on the Bristol Gang Show website.