Never work with children and animals, so the saying goes.

But opera director and producer Ellen Kent just can’t resist it – and likes to enlist local animals to join her productions on stage.

Ellen 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, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.

“Many years ago 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.”

For her latest show, La Boheme, which is coming to Folkestone and Tunbridge Wells, she is on the lookout for a well behaved, small dog.

As their owner, you will need to be prepared to go on stage in costume with them.

The show, Puccini’s masterpiece, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme and is set in Paris.

It focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo.

This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen and Musetta’s Waltz and is sung in Italian with English surtitles. It starts international soprano Alyona Kistenyova as Mimi and Olga Perrier, the international French Soprano as Musetta.

To audition your dog send a photograph to Jules Bath by emailing jules@ellenkent.co.uk or calling 07791 012837.

You will need to include your contact details and the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog.

DETAILS

La Boheme will be at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone on Thursday, April 20 and the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, April 22.

For tickets to the Folkestone show, from £21,90, visit atgtickets.com and for tickets to the Tunbridge Wells show, from £25, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530613.