Has your dog got what it takes to be star?

OPERA impresario Ellen Kent is well known for including animals in her shows, writes Lesley Potter.

Last year’s production of Bizet’s Carmen at the New Theatre Oxford included among others a particularly stubborn donkey in the plaza scenes outside the tobacco factory, and in one instance he had to be coaxed off-stage with a carrot.

This year, the touring opera company is bringing La Bohème to the Wycombe Swan, and the producers are looking for a dog to play Muzetta’s pet for the show on March 4.

Ms 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 six foot wingspan on stage.