IS your dog a Poochini who could handle the chance to be an opera star for a night on March 19 at the Grand Opera House, York?

Impresario Ellen Kent needs not only international soloists Alyona Kistenyova and Olga Perrier, a chorus and a full orchestra for Opera and Ballet International's 7.30pm performance of Puccini's La Boheme, but also a York pet pooch with star quality.

Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen 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, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a six-foot 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's plenty of doggie talent out there.”

Ellen's production of Puccini's beautiful and romantic opera will feature a Bohemian set, snow effects, a brass band and the all important dog for French soprano Olga Perrier's Musetta.

"Your pet needs to be well behaved and small and, as the owner, you will need to be prepared to go on stage in costume to look after him or her," said Ellen. "To audition your dog, please send a photograph to Jules Bath on her email, jules@ellenkent.co.uk. You must include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. If you're successful, we'll contact you several weeks before the performance."

Based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes De La Vie De Boheme, Puccini's opera focuses on the relationship between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo in a Parisian tale of love and loss featuring the arias Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.

Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york