THEY say never work with animals and children but Bolton’s biggest theatre has set its sights on doing both.

On Friday it was more ‘roll over’ than role playing as the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, opened its doors to some very different auditionees.

The pack of hopeful pooches were vying it out for the part of Sancho in next month’s production of Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Begging for a chance in the limelight were three-year-old springer spaniel Floss and 15-month-old poodle Jasmine from Heaton.

They were brought in for auditions with director Elizabeth Newman by owner Lucy Dann. The 14-year-old Canon Slade Pupil has just started out as a assistant dog trainer on Saturdays in Bury and was told to try out her girls by dog trainer and mentor Paula Tyreman. She said: “Floss is a working breed, they are both used to children and are both well socialised. “They are really, really great. Jasmine is more like a family dog and will go to anyone, while Floss always wants to be with me and always wants to be on my bed!

“I would be really, really happy if they were chosen, they would be great stars!”

The perfect star will appear in every performance of the show, which runs from March 30 to April 22, working alongside the adult and young stars.

They will hit the stage in front of an audiences of up to 400 people.

Ms Newman added: “We are looking for a gorgeous dog, a working breed which will be a companion to Markham in the play, an attractive farmer who Sancho goes everywhere with.

“They will be a companion to the actors and must love being on stage, and whose owner looks after them and adores them — that makes for a happy dog.

“I think I am a fortunate woman who gets to come to work every day to create an imaginary world that the audience will enjoy, filled with animals and children!”

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 but intrigued by this beautiful and enigmatic woman, young farmer, Markham, gradually falls in love.

Travelling from Rossendale, collies Tia, aged seven, and her four-year-old daughter Eve, were among the hopefuls.

Owner Elspeth Brown, a 25-year-old dog walker, was hoping to give Tia another go in the spotlight after she helped the Northerner team secure a win at Crufts dog show last year. She said: “I heard about the auditions and thought, why not, my dogs are very talented.”

“I think it’s a lovely idea and it’s a nice challenge for them too. They are both so friendly, Tia is more laid back but Eve is all toys, toys, toys.”