If your pet pooch is the canine equivalent of Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera La Boheme, coming to the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 22nd of April.
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 6ft 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 is plenty of doggie talent out there.”
Your pet needs to be well behaved and small – and as his owner, you will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her. To audition your dog send a photograph to Jules Bath. Email: jules@ellenkent.co.uk Mobile: 07791 012837. Please include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. If you are successful, you will be contacted directly by Jules, or one of her team.
Ellen Kent brings one of the most romantic operas ever written to the stage in her new tour, traditionally staged featuring beautiful sets and costumes. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include a brass band, snow effects and Musetta’s dog will also make an entrance.
Puccini’s masterpiece, La Boheme, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme. Set in Paris, it focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and penniless poet Rodolfo. This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, ‘They Call Me Mimi’ and ‘Musetta’s Waltz’.
La Boheme, which will be sung in Italian with English surtitles, appears at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 22nd April at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced from £25 – £36 can be booked online on www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or in person at The Gateway, (open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or alternatively at the Assembly Hall Theatre counter on Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm.