STAGE-STRUCK men with big voices are in demand for an amateur operatic group's Christmas production.

Auditions begin on Friday for Sunderland Royalty Theatre's pantomime, Sinbad.

A cast of about 25 is needed before rehearsals begin next month. Due to the nature of the show, producers are looking particularly for male performers to fill many of the singing roles.

Anyone interested need have no previous experience, but must be aged at least 16 and be able to attend rehearsals three times a week, from mid-September until the show begins its 11-performance run on Thursday, December 7.

Martin Wallwork, director of the last two Royalty pantos, said the chorus has suffered in recent years from a shortage of male voices.

He said: "To be in the panto you need the ability and confidence to deal with an audience of noisy youngsters. We're hoping the auditions will attract confident outgoing people who are interested in performing on stage for a fortnight.

"Of course, the auditions are not men-only, but are open to everybody. But we do need more men as there is plenty of singing involved, and the chorus numbers always sound more impressive with a few beefy male voices up front."

Auditions take place at the theatre, opposite the Royalty pub, off Chester Road, Sunderland, on Friday, at 7.30pm. More details are available from Mr Wallwork, on 0191-510 9419.