THE search is on to find a dozen young performers to appear in The Grand Old Dame Of York, Berwick Kaler’s 40th pantomime as York Theatre Royal’s Dame.

Open auditions will be held on September 22 for eight to 11 year olds who must be under 5ft tall. Three teams of four will be chosen to share the roles in the pantomime run from December 13 to February 2 2019.

The auditions will take place in the De Grey Rooms ballroom, adjacent to the Theatre Royal in St Leonard’s Place, where the schedule will involve children with A to K surnames registering at 10.30am to audition from 11am, followed by L to Z surnames registering at 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

These group auditions each will run for an hour and will include singing, dancing and acting. Those auditioning should wear comfy clothes and bring a drink. Parents need not stay as professional chaperones will be on duty.

Auditionees must be available for all rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals will start in the week beginning November 19 and will be held two or three evenings a week and on Saturday mornings.

The closing date for registering for auditions is September 21 at 12 noon. Those interested in auditioning must fill in a form – form.jotformeu.com/82273089278366 – and then turn up on the day.