Could your little Pooch-ini fit the bill?

Has your dog got star quality? Does he or she strut, rather than simply walk, in the park and wag their tail with all the confidence of a Bark Wahlberg? If you answered yes to the above questions, or even if you ignored them for their stupidity, then your pet dog could become a star in La Boheme, the beautiful and romantic opera which will be coming to the Helix in DCU for one night only on Saturday, 6 November. International soloists have been selected from across the world to join the celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra’s autumn tour – but there is still one part to be cast, the role of Muzetta’s pet dog. Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: “People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both. The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then we’ve had horses, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. “When we last did La Boheme and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners!” “We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.” The requirements for the chosen dog are quite minimal; he or she needs to be small and well behaved and the owner will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her. To audition your dog; simply send a photograph to Jules Bath at jules@ellenkent.co.uk. Please include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. If you are successful, you will be contacted a week before the performance, where we're sure the star of the show will be given a big round of a-paw-se.