Shakespeare’s comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona was described by Queen Elizabeth I as “the one with the dog”.

And now Kent-based Changeling Theatre Company is appealing for a dog to join the cast when the play goes on tour this summer.

Director Rob Forknall said: “We need both dog and its owner to come on tour with us, they will be partnered up with a clown called Launce and are likely to steal the show.

“Normally, the part is played by a lurcher, but any willing dog and his or her owner can volunteer to take part. The dog will be required to work closely with the actors and be well trained and obedient.”

The play follows two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, who leave Verona for the big city of Milan, where they both fall in love with the same woman.

The dog will play the part of Crab, Proteus' servant's lovable but not very loyal canine companion.

This is Changling Theatre Company's 15th year touring Kent with their outdoor shows. Last year they performed Romeo and Juliet, and the actors who played the star-crossed duo are back for this year's production.

Ben Wiggins, who played Romeo, is playing Valentine, with Jess Boyd (Juliet) cast as Julia.

Mr Forknall said: "These two get together at the end of this play as well, although they don't die. But Ben is playing the bad one this year, the audience are going to boo."

As well as Two Gentleman of Verona, the company are also performing Noël Coward's Hayfever.

As usual, the company have put their own unique spin on both plays and they will be set in the 1960s with a Woodstock festival vibe.

The company are performing at Upnor Castle on July 28 and Rochester Castle on August 5, with 25 other dates across the county.

Auditions for dogs are being held at Pleasant Farm, Brishing Road, Maidstone, ME17 3SP at 1pm on Sunday, June 14.

For more information and tickets visit www.changeling-theatre.com