DO you have a performing pooch who is begging for his dream stage role?

Well there’s no longer a need to put that dream on ‘paws’, as the Octagon Theatre is on the hunt for canine companions to audition for its forthcoming production of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Director Elizabeth Newman said: “In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Sancho the dog is the loyal and loving companion of Gilbert Markham.

“The dog we are looking to cast as Sancho will be a working farm dog, preferably a border collie.

“As Sancho will spend a lot of time with and near the character of Arthur, who will be played by a small boy, the dog we are looking for needs to be very calm and relaxed around young people.”

The dog being sought will be on stage often with a number of cast members as well as the young boy playing Arthur.

Applicants must be prepared to commit their dog to every performance during the run of the show, including all matinee and evening shows and commit to being available to bring and stay with your dog for every show.

The stage hound must also have a calm and friendly disposition, with the capacity to be comfortable in the presence of audiences of up to 400 people.

On-stage lighting will be used throughout the show and so they will also need to be comfortable with lighting changes that will be taking place.

A loyal pal is also being sought for the doggy star as the theatre is hunting two young boys to take on the part of Arthur in the show.

The performances will be split equally between the two chosen boys, who must have the maximum playing age of seven-years-old, and be able to work alongside the dog on stage.

Based on the 1848 novel by Anne Bronte, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is set in 19th century Yorkshire, where a mysterious young widow Helen Graham and her son Arthur arrive at the desolate estate of Wildfell Hall.

Isolating herself from the village, Helen soon becomes the subject of local speculation.

Intrigued by this beautiful and enigmatic woman, a young farmer, Markham, gradually falls in love. Torn apart with her attraction to Markham and the secrets of her past, Helen finally has to reveal the shocking history she thought she had left behind.

Deadline for all applications is 3pm on February 3.

The show will run from March 20 to April 22, with rehearsals on various dates from February 25 to March 30.

To apply visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk or call 01204 556501 for more information.