YORK Theatre Royal is on the look out for talented young performers to take part in one of the country’s most famous pantomimes and star alongside the longest running Dame of them all – Berwick Kaler.

Auditions for Old Mother Goose are taking place on Saturday, September 13 at the York Theatre Royal’s De Grey Room

To take part children are required to be less than five feet tall and aged between eight and 11. Some previous acting/singing/ dancing experience is preferred, but is not essential.

Rehearsals will take place during the end of November, mostly on evenings and weekends and there will be two teams of young people who will alternate performances.

Performances take place between December 11 and January 31, including some midweek matinee performances during term time.

Youth Theatre Director Natalie Quartermass, said: "These auditions are open to anyone, unlike other shows where only youth theatre participants or those on the youth theatre waiting list can take part.

"This is yet another great chance to perform alongside professional actors from York Theatre Royal at an exciting time in the theatre’s history."

Anyone interested in joining the cast is encouraged to audition. Surnames A – L need to register at 3pm, followed by a 3.30pm to 4.30pm audition, and surnames L – Z need to register at 5pm followed by a 5.30pm to 6.30pm audition.

Children will need to bring a passport-sized photograph of themselves and appropriate clothes and footwear should be worn to run and dance in, alongside soft shoes. Children will be asked to dance and sing in a group, and may also be asked to sight read from a script, but no preparation is required.

There is no need to contact the theatre in advance – just turn up at the De Grey building. Trained chaperones will be on duty on the day, so children can be dropped off and collected after their audition.

To book tickets for Old Mother Goose pohone 01904 623568 or visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk