THE team behind a popular North-East pantomime are offering the chance to star in this year's comedy extravaganza.

The pantomime - Dick Whittington - features a young woman called Alice, and auditions will be held for the potential star at the Customs House, South Shields, next month.

Ray Spencer, who writes, directs and performs in what is widely regarded as the North-East's favourite panto, said: "This is an opportunity for a young woman hoping to get a foot on the show business ladder.

"Because Alice is a principal character, we are ideally looking for someone aged between 18 and 25 who can sing and act. No previous experience is necessary - we just ask if anyone feels they have the ability to give it a go at the auditions. They should be able to sing something unaccompanied on the day and be prepared to read a short poem."

Alice, who is Dick Whittington's love interest in the show, will be performing opposite Mr Spencer and his co-star Bob Stott, who have been performing in pantomimes together for more than 30 years.

More than 8,000 tickets have already been sold for the show, which runs from Thursday, December 2, to Sunday, December 8.

The Alice auditions take place on Tuesday, June 8, and candidates are asked to turn up any time from 4pm to 6pm.

For further details, contact Robin Byers at the Customs House on 0191-454 1234.

Published: ??/??/2004