Dogs of all shapes and sizes have been wagging their tails to stage directions as they audition for the walk-on part in an upcoming Rose Theatre play.

Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Labradors and all other four-legged friends have been trying out for a role in comedy The Play That Goes Wrong which will run at the Kingston High Street venue next month.

Show producer Kenny Wax, from Mischief Theatre, had previously said in the search for Kingston’s Pup Idol that the “ideal canine candidate must not be alarmed by loud noises and not be barking mad.”

But following weeks of online auditions he said: “We see dogs doing all sorts of funny things, from licking the plates in the dishwasher to posing in rugby shirts, tutus and sunglasses.”

The Play That Goes Wrong is a Buster Keaton inspired slapstick comedy based on a drama society that puts on a 1920’s style murder mystery – where everything – as the name suggests, could go wrong, does go wrong.

Former Tiffin girl Lucy Eves, 33, from Morden, has entered her 18-month-old shih tzu Missy into the running.

She said: “I would be over the moon if she got it. The dog would have no clue what’s going on – she is not really fazed by anything, but everybody else would be so excited.

“She does a high five – that’s her speciality, but it usually works with a treat in my hand. She is very well behaved though.”

Anyone who would like to audition their dog should email Kezia@kennywax.com and write Kingston Pup Idol in the subject line before April 28.