A Stirling pet pooch has been cast to star in a musical following a special round of dog auditions.
Tibetan Terrier Holli will star as Sandy in Stirling and Bridge of Allan Operatic Society (SABOS) Musical Theatre’s forthcoming production of Annie.
The local pooch, who belongs to Paul and Fiona Steadman from Stirling, will star as Annie’s faithful companion when the hit Broadway musical comes to the Macrobert stage this spring.
The production takes to the stage from March 31 until April 4.
Speaking after the canine casting call, musical director Andrew Nicol said: “Holli is a very friendly but calm dog who has a great way with the girls playing Annie – especially when bribed with a treat.
“She has the perfect ‘cute but scruffy’ look that we need for Sandy and even seemed to enjoy listening to the songs during her audition.
“We can’t wait to introduce her to the rest of the cast and we’re sure our audiences will love her.”
It will be seven-year-old Holli’s first taste of stardom.
Owner Paul Steadman said: “We’re excited about Holli being on stage for the first time, especially as she’ll be sharing it with our daughter Penny who has been cast as one of the orphans.
“We were delighted to see how well Holli got on with the girls who are playing Annie during her audition.
“ They both seemed so comfortable with her. Sandy is Annie’s loyal friend and Holli is that through and through.
“She is a very placid pooch and absolutely loves kids. Unlike most dogs she doesn’t mind loud noises, she loves a fireworks display and even ended up in a nightclub one Saturday night. Her favourite trick is a high five, all you need is the right treat.”
Holli will now work closely with the 100-strong cast, which includes over 50 local youngsters, in the run- up to the show.
Tickets for the production are available now from www.macrobertartscentre.org.
For details of special group discounts email sabosmusicaltheatre@gmail.com.
