YOUNG performers who dream of treading the boards are invited to an audition event this weekend.

Wear Valley Musical Theatre Company will Search for a Star on Sunday, January 5, to fill the lead roles in its forthcoming show Oliver!

The group will hold open auditions for boys aged eight to 12 at Shildon Methodist Church Hall, from 2pm. Previous experience is not needed.

The production team will select a group of boys to be Fagin's Gang, from which they will select performers for the parts of Oliver and The Artful Dodger.

Entrants should be prepared to act, sing and dance on the day, dress comfortably and take backing CDs or sheet music if they want to perform a particular song.

A piece of text will be provided for the acting section.

The show will be performed at Shildon Civic Hall from Tuesday, May 13 to Saturday, May 17.

For details email info@wvmtc.co.uk or visit wvmtc.co.uk/search-for-a-star or call Elizabeth Crosby on 07909-701513.