A dream is about to come true for Cleveland songstress Mrs Andrea Atkinson.

But when she steps on stage at Newcastle's Theatre Royal, she will have a hard act to follow. For Mrs Atkinson is not the first member of the family to tread those boards.

Her little papillion dog, Oscar, beat her to it by playing the role of Cheeky in Anything Goes, a 1995 production by the city's West End operatic society.

Oscar may have got there first, but for Mrs Atkinson playing silent screen heroine Mabel Normand will fulfil an ambition she has nursed for years. Although she and her husband, Tony, have worked backstage on sound for the society, this will be her first appearance on stage.

Ever since seeing Mack and Mabel in London, Mrs Atkinson has wanted to portray the charismatic yet tragic performer. Now the society is staging the show at the Theatre Royal in April.

Mrs Atkinson, who comes from Northallerton but who now lives in Eaglescliffe, said: "I have loved the show ever since I saw it and vowed that if I ever got the chance, I would play Mabel Normand.

"This is a challenging part as during the show she ages from 17 to 37 with a whole range of emotions along the way."

Mrs Atkinson has been a member of the operatic society since September but she and her husband have worked for them for several years.

Mrs Atkinson's mother taught piano and her father was a member of Northallerton male voice choir.

Mrs Atkinson made her debut as Cinderella in 1981 with Northallerton variety company. She was also principal soloist with Lingdale silver band and has done extensive solo and concert work.

She is a member of Northallerton, West End and Redcar operatic societies and South Shields Gilbert and Sullivan society.

And she does not seem to mind following in Oscar's footsteps.

"Oscar will be a tough act to follow, but I am delighted that I too will be going on to the Theatre Royal stage," she said