Edinburgh's got talent, so show us what you can do

Published on Thursday 29 May 2008 18:20

COULD you be the perfect princess playing opposite legendary dame Allan Stewart in this year's King's panto?

Then read on, because later this month West End producer Paul Elliott is to give Edinburgh's would-be leading ladies the chance to do just that.

This Christmas one budding actress will have her dream come true thanks to the King's Theatre's search for a star. On Thursday June 12, the Leven Street venue will hold open Pop Idol-style auditions to find a local beauty to play the role of Princess Jasmine, in the annual extravaganza.

Paul, who has written and produced the King's panto since 2002, will fly into town with panto legend Allan Stewart to audition hopefuls, and one young performer will be plucked from obscurity and thrust into the limelight alongside established King's regulars this November.

"I'm looking for somebody who is talented, vibrant, charismatic and who can sing beautifully and act," Paul told me. "I want a feisty girl. I don't want a limp princess. I want her to be full of spark."

Prospective Princess Jasmines should be aged between 20 and 30 years old. If you think you fit the bill simply turn up at the King's Theatre between 10am and noon on the day, ready to perform one up-tempo number and one ballad of your own choosing. Anyone can attend the auditions, although to be in with a chance of being cast, and securing an Equity-approved contract, auditionees must be able to act, sing and dance.

Paul's advise to all hopefuls is simple, "Abandon all your worries and problems and just go out and sell it, as though you were performing for yourself in front of a mirror."

The winner will join Allan Stewart as Widow Twankey, Grant Stott as Abanazar and comedian Johnny Mac as Aladdin in the show which also features an incredible 3D genie, voiced by former Play School presenter Derek Griffiths – having experienced the effect last year in Newcastle's Theatre Royal, I guarantee you'll be ducking and dodging in your seat when the rocks fly.

Paul's current search is not the first time the King's has held open auditions. In 2006 17-year-old Carlyne Gibb put her studies as a law student on hold after landing the role of Cinderella. The ex-Royal High School pupil won the role after beating off hundreds of other young hopefuls. As Paul, who has produced more than 350 pantomimes in the UK, reflected, "This process is like mining – you can spend hours and days sifting through stones and suddenly a gem appears when you least expect it. But there are an awful lot of stones out there too."

However, the King's production crew aren't the only ones searching for talent just now. Like Lord Lloyd Webber, Edinburgh amateur musical theatre company Tempo are looking for an Oliver to appear in their production of Lionel Bart's musical at the Church Hill Theatre next February. They're also seeking an Artful Dodger and an ensemble of workhouse boys. Prospective scallywags, between 9 and 15 years old, should head to St Oswald's Hall, Montpelier Park, on June 8, e-mailing their details in advance to [e-mail] to guarantee an audition.

Stones need not apply.