WORCESTER girls are being given the chance to act alongside professionals.

It may only be spring but the city's Swan Theatre is already in pantomime mode and searching for six girls, aged between eight and 16, to star in the Christmas show Robin Hood and The Babes In The Wood.

The theatre, run by Worcester Live, will hold open auditions on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, and anyone interested in a stage career is urged to get in touch.

"The Swan Theatre has helped to promote a wealth of young talent over the years and we are keen to continue to offer youngsters the opportunity to develop their performing abilities," said Chris Jaeger, director of Worcester Live.

"We have a fantastic cast lined up for this year's pantomime who will be great to work alongside and learn from. This really could be an opportunity of a lifetime for someone out there."

The chosen girls will play the Babes. While previous stage experience is not essential the would-be stars will need to act, dance and sing to a high standard and have enough energy to perform 15 times. The Swan's pantomimes have a history of launching professional careers.

Amy Booth Steel, who played Genie of the Lamp in last year's Aladdin, recently took part in BBC One's prime time show I'd Do Anything; Simon Bell, who played Prince Charming in the 2006 panto, took part in BBC's search for Joseph, while Chris Vincent, who has starred in several Swan pantomimes, is now on the stage in the West End as Thenardier in Les Miserables.

Girls who audition must present a short spoken piece from memory, be prepared to sing either unaccompanied or with a backing tape and take part in a dance session with director/choreographer Paul Milton.

Call the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427 for an audition pack. Prior registration is essential.